Donor-funded interventions are frequently not adopted, scaled or sustained, or they diminish in efficacy or deviate from the intended protocol. Incorporating village health workers (VHWs) and strengthening their roles is a common intervention funded by donors to tackle maternal, newborn and child health issues. This paper explores the sustainability of VHWs at different levels … [Read more...] about ‘A seamless transition’: how to sustain a community health worker scheme within the health system of Gombe state, northeast Nigeria
Sustainability
Community health volunteers challenges and preferred income generating activities for sustainability: a qualitative case study of rural Kilifi, Kenya
Although community health volunteers are key in providing healthcare to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), retention of CHVs can be difficult. Income-generating activities (IGAs) have been known to decrease turnover rates. The authors of this study examined barriers to income generation experienced by CHVs in rural Kenya, as well as their preferred IGAs. They found that … [Read more...] about Community health volunteers challenges and preferred income generating activities for sustainability: a qualitative case study of rural Kilifi, Kenya
‘A seamless transition’: how to sustain a community health worker scheme within the health system of Gombe state, northeast Nigeria
CHW programs need to be sustained if the benefits of their services to communities are to extend beyond single-project funding. The authors of this study sought to assess the sustainability of a donor-funded village health worker (VHW) program in Nigeria. The investigators identified government ownership, adaptability, VHW motivation, and the institutionalization of VHW … [Read more...] about ‘A seamless transition’: how to sustain a community health worker scheme within the health system of Gombe state, northeast Nigeria
Mother-To-Mother: Evaluation of The Sustainability of A Peer Model to Communicate Nutrition Messages in Mozambique
In Mozambique, child malnutrition remains a persistent problem. This study evaluated the use of community health workers (CHWs) as part of a health promotion strategy in a USAID-funded Child Survival Program in Mozambique five years after the program ended. CHWs proved to be valuable in the fight against child malnutrition, however, they need financial support and training to … [Read more...] about Mother-To-Mother: Evaluation of The Sustainability of A Peer Model to Communicate Nutrition Messages in Mozambique
Using mobile phones to improve community health workers performance in low-and-middle-income countries
The authors of this study stress the importance of mHealth to enhance the impact of CHW’ work in LMICs. They emphasize the importance of mobile phones for data collection, provider communication, and monitoring. They also point out that obstacles, such as a lack of mHealth training and internet service, can hinder the effective use and rollout of mhealth solutions and argue for … [Read more...] about Using mobile phones to improve community health workers performance in low-and-middle-income countries