This study evaluated the impact of community health workers (CHWs) on maternal and newborn health in six internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in Chad, Sudan, and Somalia. Over one year, CHWs supported pregnant women with antenatal education, referrals, immunizations, and home-based care. Results showed major improvements: antenatal care attendance rose from 41% to 96%, … [Read more...] about Community Health Worker Impact on Maternal and Child Health in Displaced Populations: A Prospective Cohort Study
Africa
The added value of community-based organisations in retaining people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the continuum of care in Mali
In Mali, staying in care is a challenge for people living with HIV (PLHIV) due to social, economic, and structural barriers. This study explored how community health workers (CHWs) support retention in care. Interviews with PLHIV, including key populations, highlighted four key roles of CHWs: fostering good patient-provider relationships, providing peer support, ensuring … [Read more...] about The added value of community-based organisations in retaining people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the continuum of care in Mali
Community Health Worker Requirements to Accelerate Progress Towards Universal Health Coverage in Africa: An Overview of Contemporary Estimates and Implications of Full-Time Versus Part-Time Working Arrangements
Community health workers are essential for achieving universal health coverage and reducing health inequalities by providing key healthcare services. African leaders aim to expand this workforce, but there is uncertainty about how many are needed. Estimates suggest that depending on their working hours, the number of community health workers required ranges from 11.2 to 59.5 … [Read more...] about Community Health Worker Requirements to Accelerate Progress Towards Universal Health Coverage in Africa: An Overview of Contemporary Estimates and Implications of Full-Time Versus Part-Time Working Arrangements
Roles and Challenges of Community Health Workers in Epidemiological Surveillance: A Qualitative Study in Cameroon
Community Health Workers (CHWs) in Cameroon play a key role in disease detection, outbreak response, and health education through community-based surveillance (CBS). Their strong community ties help them identify health threats, but they face challenges like lack of legal recognition, distrust, and limited resources. To improve their work, they suggest better training, … [Read more...] about Roles and Challenges of Community Health Workers in Epidemiological Surveillance: A Qualitative Study in Cameroon
Safety of 3-month rifampicin-isoniazid TPT in child household contacts in a community-based intervention
The WHO recommends shorter TB preventive treatment (TPT) regimens and community-based care to improve outcomes. This study tested the safety of a 3-month rifampicin-isoniazid (3RH) regimen given at home by community health workers (CHWs) in Cameroon and Uganda. Researchers compared this approach to standard facility-based care in a trial involving child contacts of TB patients. … [Read more...] about Safety of 3-month rifampicin-isoniazid TPT in child household contacts in a community-based intervention