This study in Northern Mali found that involving community health workers (CHWs) in treating acute malnutrition is more cost-effective than treatment at health facilities alone. CHW sites improved access, reduced treatment costs, and increased recovery rates. Using a simplified treatment protocol further cut costs, especially for therapeutic food. This approach is a valuable … [Read more...] about Cost-effectiveness of decentralising acute malnutrition treatment with a standard or simplified treatment protocol: an economic evaluation in the region of Gao, Mali
Africa
The impact of the Lesotho health reform in the re-structuring of the village health workers program
This study examined how health reforms in Lesotho improved the Village Health Worker (VHW) program. Key changes included clearer roles, better monitoring, and performance-based payments. These reforms boosted VHW performance, strengthened community health links, and increased service use. The findings highlight that proper support and incentives help VHWs fulfill their vital … [Read more...] about The impact of the Lesotho health reform in the re-structuring of the village health workers program
Cost-effectiveness of leveraging existing HIV primary health systems and community health workers for hypertension screening and treatment in Africa: An individual-based modeling study
This study evaluated the cost-effectiveness of improving hypertension care in Africa. Two strategies were tested: expanding HIV clinics to treat hypertension (CCC) and adding community health worker (CHW) screenings for adults over 40. The results showed that both approaches could reduce heart disease, strokes, and deaths. CHW screening combined with CCC was the most effective, … [Read more...] about Cost-effectiveness of leveraging existing HIV primary health systems and community health workers for hypertension screening and treatment in Africa: An individual-based modeling study
Bridging the Gap: Community Health Workers as a Vital Link in Humanitarian Medical Responses
Community Health Workers (CHWs) play a vital role in emergency medical responses, helping build trust, improve communication, and provide follow-up care. Case studies from The Bahamas and Sierra Leone show that integrating CHWs into Mobile Medical Teams (MMTs) boosts health outcomes, with Sierra Leone seeing a 32% increase in health referrals. This approach highlights the … [Read more...] about Bridging the Gap: Community Health Workers as a Vital Link in Humanitarian Medical Responses
Lessons Learned From the Use of Human-Centered Design Approaches to Improve Nutrition in Nigeria
Improving children's diets between 6 and 24 months is crucial but has stalled globally. A project in Nigeria used human-centered design and behavior change theory to develop and test tools for better nutrition counseling by community health workers (CHWs) and strategies to improve dietary diversity. Successful prototypes encouraged two-way conversations between CHWs and … [Read more...] about Lessons Learned From the Use of Human-Centered Design Approaches to Improve Nutrition in Nigeria