This multi-site case study used interviews and focus groups of community health workers and facilitators to examine conversations on WhatsApp. WhatsApp was viewed positively by community health workers and acted as a useful tool in rural health work, despite the challenge of separating social use from instrumental use. … [Read more...] about Mobile instant messaging for rural community health workers: a case from Malawi
Malawi
Effect of self-administration versus provider-administered injection of subcutaneous depot medroxyprogesterone acetate on continuation rates in Malawi: a randomised controlled trial
This study looked at the continuation rates of women who self-injected contraceptives (specifically subcutaneous depot medroxyprogesterone acetate) versus women who were injected by a health care provider, which included community health workers. The paper concluded that women who self-injected were more likely to continue and suggested promoting the ability to … [Read more...] about Effect of self-administration versus provider-administered injection of subcutaneous depot medroxyprogesterone acetate on continuation rates in Malawi: a randomised controlled trial
Feasibility and acceptability of training community health workers in ear and hearing care in Malawi: a cluster randomised controlled trial
This cluster randomised controlled trial looked at the ability to train CHWs in Malawi to identify individuals with ear and hearing disorders. The intervention and training were effective and could be scaled up to CHWs in other countries. … [Read more...] about Feasibility and acceptability of training community health workers in ear and hearing care in Malawi: a cluster randomised controlled trial
Practitioner Expertise to Optimise Community Health Systems: Harnessing Operational Insight
This newly released report, titled ‘Practitioner Expertise to Optimise Community Health Systems: Harnessing Operational Insight’ examines how CHWs can successfully be integrated into national health systems, subsequently contributing towards efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage. By using a number of case studies from six organisations (Hope Through Health, Last Mile … [Read more...] about Practitioner Expertise to Optimise Community Health Systems: Harnessing Operational Insight
Using Data to Improve Programs: Assessment of a Data Quality and Use Intervention Package for Integrated Community Case Management in Malawi
Health Surveillance Assistants (HSAs) have been providing integrated community case management (iCCM) for sick children in Malawi since 2008. HSAs report monthly iCCM program data but, at the time of this study, little of it was being used for service improvement. Additionally, HSAs and facility health workers did not have the tools to compile and visualize the data they … [Read more...] about Using Data to Improve Programs: Assessment of a Data Quality and Use Intervention Package for Integrated Community Case Management in Malawi