South Africa

Equity impact and cost-effectiveness of a community health worker breast cancer educational programme in rural South Africa: a modelling study

This study found that a community health worker-led education program could help women in rural South Africa detect and seek treatment for breast cancer earlier, leading to better health outcomes and fewer deaths. The program was especially effective in reducing differences in survival between rural and urban women and between Black and non-Black women. It was also found to be … [Read more...] about Equity impact and cost-effectiveness of a community health worker breast cancer educational programme in rural South Africa: a modelling study

This study found that community health workers in South Africa already help connect communities with health services, social support programs, and local leaders, even though this role is often not officially recognized. The researchers argue that community health workers should be better supported and included in health system planning because they can help coordinate services … [Read more...] about Repositioning Community Health Workers as Boundary Spanners: A Realist-Informed Theory of Change for Integrated People-Centred Care in South Africa

This study explored how community health workers help make health care more people-centered in South Africa. It found that trust, motivation, and feeling valued and supported are key factors that help community health workers perform well. These factors work together, and when health system strategies are aligned and supportive, community health workers can provide better care … [Read more...] about Reconceptualizing integrated people-centred health services: Towards a mechanism-sensitive model using realist evaluation

This study looked at how much community health workers in rural South Africa know about diabetic eye disease and whether they help refer patients for screening. Most workers had good knowledge and positive attitudes, and many were already referring patients for screening, but over half had never received formal training on the condition. The study shows that better training … [Read more...] about Diabetic retinopathy screening and referrals: Knowledge, attitudes and practices among community health workers in South Africa

This study looked at a program in rural South Africa that brought communities, health workers, and decision-makers together to learn and solve health problems. Over time, it helped build trust, improve teamwork, and strengthen the role of community health workers, making health services more responsive to local needs. The approach became part of the health system and adapted to … [Read more...] about Community and health systems learning: critical realist evaluation of the VAPAR ‘learning platform’ in rural South Africa 2015-25