Ethiopia implemented a national health program called the Health Extension Program (HEP) to improve access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas, using health extension workers (HEWs). This study examines how Ethiopia utilized the HEP to introduce evidence-based interventions (EBIs) to reduce under-5 mortality (U5M) and address health disparities. Through a mix of research … [Read more...] about Reducing the equity gap in under-5 mortality through an innovative community health program in Ethiopia an implementation research study
Child health
Evidence on the impact of community health workers in the prevention, identification, and management of undernutrition amongst children under the age of five in conflict-affected or fragile settings: a systematic literature review
Malnutrition, especially undernutrition, is a major global problem, particularly affecting children under five years old in conflict-affected, fragile settings (CAFS). Community health worker (CHW) models have been used to tackle this issue, but there's limited systematic evidence on their effectiveness in CAFS. In this review, 25 studies from 10 countries were analyzed to … [Read more...] about Evidence on the impact of community health workers in the prevention, identification, and management of undernutrition amongst children under the age of five in conflict-affected or fragile settings: a systematic literature review
Acceptability and operational feasibility of community health worker-led home phototherapy treatment for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in rural Bangladesh
In low-resource areas like rural Bangladesh, access to phototherapy for newborns with hyperbilirubinemia is limited. This study explored the feasibility and acceptability of community health worker (CHW)-led home phototherapy. Results showed that families and CHWs found it feasible and convenient, with CHWs receiving intensive training and using mobile health tools for support. … [Read more...] about Acceptability and operational feasibility of community health worker-led home phototherapy treatment for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in rural Bangladesh
Young Infants Clinical Signs Study 8-sign Algorithm for Identification of Sick Infants Adapted for Routine Home Visits: A Systematic Review and Critical Appraisal of its Measurement Properties
The Young Infants Clinical Signs Study (YICSS)-home algorithm is a practical tool for identifying sick infants during community health worker (CHW) home visits. While it shows good sensibility and reliability, it has limitations. It was originally developed for health facility use, lacking assessment of inter-CHW reliability and construct validity. Future research should … [Read more...] about Young Infants Clinical Signs Study 8-sign Algorithm for Identification of Sick Infants Adapted for Routine Home Visits: A Systematic Review and Critical Appraisal of its Measurement Properties
Scoping review of interventions to improve continuity of postdischarge care for newborns in LMICs
The first 28 days of life are critical for newborns, with millions of deaths occurring globally, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Efforts to reduce neonatal mortality focus on improving care continuity after discharge from healthcare facilities. This review examined interventions in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) aimed at enhancing post-discharge care for newborns. … [Read more...] about Scoping review of interventions to improve continuity of postdischarge care for newborns in LMICs
