CHWs connect the communities in which they live and the health systems in which they are immersed. Marta Schaaf and her colleagues identified the three main roles of CHWs in bridging this gap: the service extender (bringing medical services to the people), the cultural broker (interpreting medical services for the people), and the social change agent (helping address contexts … [Read more...] about The community health worker as service extender, cultural broker and social change agent: A critical interpretive synthesis of roles, intent, an accountability
CHW Role
Financing Alliance for Health Country Case Study: Zambia
Financing Alliance for Health has produced a series of country case studies providing robust information on community health system profiles, taking a financing lens. Each case study includes insights on community health system context, structure and lessons on financing. Zambia’s Ministry of Health in 2007 synthesized evidence based practices from Ethiopia and Malawi to … [Read more...] about Financing Alliance for Health Country Case Study: Zambia
The distinctive roles of urban community health workers in low- and middle-income countries: A scoping review of the literature
As low- and middle-income cities grow in size, community health workers increasingly require evidence-based guidance to understand how to deliver health services to the urban poor. Teralynn Ludwick and her team reviewed the literature to understand the role of CHWs in urban health systems. CHWs often took on similar roles to those found in rural contexts, with the exception … [Read more...] about The distinctive roles of urban community health workers in low- and middle-income countries: A scoping review of the literature
Community health workers for pandemic response: a rapid evidence synthesis
This paper presents the results of a rapid evidence synthesis (RES) on CHWs and their role in COVID-19 control and prevention. The authors note that, although more research on implementation is required, findings support the vital role of CHWs in the COVID-19 response. They stress the importance of role clarity, supportive supervision, and work satisfaction for CHWs. … [Read more...] about Community health workers for pandemic response: a rapid evidence synthesis
Exploration of Community Health Workers’ views about in their role and support in Primary Health Care in Northern Cape, South Africa
The objectives of this study conducted in South Africa were better understand CHW views of their work and work environment. Findings showed that CHWs perform various health and social care roles, they believe they make a substantial impact on the primary healthcare system, and the system relies on them. They stated community recognition and a good relationship with their team … [Read more...] about Exploration of Community Health Workers’ views about in their role and support in Primary Health Care in Northern Cape, South Africa
