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
Africa
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
Cost-effectiveness of decentralising acute malnutrition treatment with a standard or simplified treatment protocol: an economic evaluation in the region of Gao, Mali
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
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