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.
Journal articles
How should community health workers in fragile contexts be supported: Qualitative evidence from Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Democratic Republic of Congo
CHWs in resource-constrained settings require strong management and support to perform their roles effectively. Joanna Raven and colleagues sought to develop evidence-based support policies by looking at CHW programs in Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Democratic Republic of Congo. Results point toward a need for investing in strong Human Resources Management. … [Read more...] about How should community health workers in fragile contexts be supported: Qualitative evidence from Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Democratic Republic of Congo
Learning from Community Health Worker programs, big and small
Interest and investment in Community Health Workers varies depending on the state of the research on the effectiveness of each program. In this commentary, Stephen Hodgins describes how sustained interest can be achieved by increasing cross-communication between small demonstration projects and large programs. … [Read more...] about Learning from Community Health Worker programs, big and small
Rapid literature review: Community health workers
CHWs performed as key actors during the Ebola, Zika, and Marburg outbreaks. Shuchi Srinivasan and Radhika Arora surveyed research examining barriers and facilitators to CHW-based responses to these outbreaks. Some barriers included gaps in knowledge and skills, failure to address PPE-related needs among CHWs, and the mental health impacts of living through a pandemic. … [Read more...] about Rapid literature review: Community health workers
Measuring motivation among close-to-community health workers: developing the CTC Provider Motivational Indicator Scale across six countries
Close-to-community health service (CTC) providers serve as critical support in low- and middle-income countries with limited access to formalized health care providers. However, motivational challenges cause CTC providers to suffer high rates of turnover. Frederique Vallieres conducted interviews and discussions with CTC providers across six countries to develop a survey … [Read more...] about Measuring motivation among close-to-community health workers: developing the CTC Provider Motivational Indicator Scale across six countries