CHW Central

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CHW programs

Barriers to and facilitators of the implementation of Community Health Worker programmes in high-income countries: a systematic review

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This review looked at what helps or prevents community health worker programs from being successfully introduced and integrated into primary healthcare in high-income countries. Looking at 72 studies, mostly from the United States, it found that strong support from health leaders, community partnerships, and dedicated program champions helped CHWs succeed. However, short-term … [Read more...] about Barriers to and facilitators of the implementation of Community Health Worker programmes in high-income countries: a systematic review

Mapping multilevel barriers impacting the performance of Ethiopia’s Community-Based Health Extension Program: A scoping review

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This review looked at the main challenges affecting Ethiopia’s Health Extension Program and its health extension workers. It found that workers face heavy workloads, limited training, poor working and living conditions, lack of resources, weak supervision, and difficulties using digital tools. The program also struggles because communities often expect more treatment services, … [Read more...] about Mapping multilevel barriers impacting the performance of Ethiopia’s Community-Based Health Extension Program: A scoping review

Importing What Works: A Territory-Based Community Health Worker Framework from Brazil’s ESF for U.S. Federally Qualified Health Centers Serving Underserved Populations

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This policy analysis looks at Brazil’s community health worker model and how it could be adapted for federally qualified health centers in the United States. Brazil’s approach uses community health workers to regularly support people within specific communities, helping prevent health problems and unnecessary hospital visits. The study suggests that a similar approach could … [Read more...] about Importing What Works: A Territory-Based Community Health Worker Framework from Brazil’s ESF for U.S. Federally Qualified Health Centers Serving Underserved Populations

Co-designing education with and for community health workers: creating a bridge to care

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This paper describes an initiative in Ontario, Canada, that aimed to improve education and career opportunities for Community Health Workers (CHWs). Because CHWs have strong knowledge of their communities and help people overcome barriers to healthcare, the Bridge to Care Initiative worked with CHWs and other partners to develop training that reflects their role in healthcare. … [Read more...] about Co-designing education with and for community health workers: creating a bridge to care

Driving NCD screening at scale: outcomes of a digital, CHW-led hypertension surveillance program in rural Rwanda

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This study examined how Community Health Workers (CHWs) in Rwanda used blood pressure monitors and a mobile app to screen people for high blood pressure. Between 2023 and 2024, CHWs screened nearly 500,000 people, and about 63,000 were found to have high blood pressure and referred to health facilities. However, only 7.2% of those referred completed the referral, and nearly … [Read more...] about Driving NCD screening at scale: outcomes of a digital, CHW-led hypertension surveillance program in rural Rwanda