CHW Central

A global resource for and about Community Health Workers

Human Resources Management/Workforce Development

Contested notions of challenges affecting Community Health Workers in low- and middle-income countries informed by the Silences Framework

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The authors of this study apply the Silences Framework to assess under-researched experiences of healthcare workers faced with patriarchal norms and unequal power dynamics. Drawing upon personal and professional experiences, they identify major challenges faced by CHWs including workload burden, established religious and cultural practices, and gender-related barriers to … [Read more...] about Contested notions of challenges affecting Community Health Workers in low- and middle-income countries informed by the Silences Framework

Community health workers at the dawn of a new era.

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This is an overview of 11 related articles highlighting the primary issues CHWs face in large-scale interventions. CHWs are recognized as having a critical role in low, middle, and high income countries’ health systems. This series of articles provides suggestions on how to support CHWs programs to improve their careers and the sustainability of their interventions. … [Read more...] about Community health workers at the dawn of a new era.

Supervision Strategies and Community Health Worker Effectiveness in Health Care Settings

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This discussion paper argues that while the value of CHWs in providing cost effective care in the United States is recognized, improved human resources management practices are needed to strengthen the quality and performance of CHW programs. The authors discuss essential elements of CHW recruitment and training, but also the need for supportive supervision. They note that … [Read more...] about Supervision Strategies and Community Health Worker Effectiveness in Health Care Settings

The Lived Experiences of Community Health Workers Serving in a Large-Scale Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Intervention Trial in Rural Bangladesh

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In Bangladesh, community health workers (CHWs) were integral in implementing a water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) program. The authors studied the lived experiences of CHWs in the program to inform future implementation. CHWs reported positive effects of participation in the program, such as increased confidence and a sense of respect in the community. In addition to these … [Read more...] about The Lived Experiences of Community Health Workers Serving in a Large-Scale Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Intervention Trial in Rural Bangladesh

Promoting Community Health Worker Leadership in Policy Development: Results from a Louisiana Workforce Study

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In 2019, the Louisiana legislature created the CHW Workforce Study Committee (Committee) to study the workforce and provide the state with policy recommendations. The Committee engaged CHWS, their employers and an academic team to collect qualitative data on the experiences of CHWs and employers statewide. Findings suggest a need for widespread education about CHWs and support … [Read more...] about Promoting Community Health Worker Leadership in Policy Development: Results from a Louisiana Workforce Study