In Zimbabwe Dixon Chibanda, a psychiatrist, created a space called “Friendship Benches” that sets aside medical and technical elements of mental healthcare and engages the community through “grandmothers” or local lay health workers. The grandmothers are trained in a form of cognitive behavioral therapy, but engage their patients in local language which helps reduce … [Read more...] about Facing a suicide crisis in his country, this African psychiatrist enlisted grandmothers to step in
Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)
Unlocking the community health workforce potential, post-Ebola: what models and strategies work?
This document provides a summary of the key points during the “Unlocking the community health workforce potential, post-Ebola: what models and strategies work” meeting. This meeting was designed to develop strategies for countries affected by Ebola and to share lessons from countries with strong existing community health systems. Needs of these countries were shared … [Read more...] about Unlocking the community health workforce potential, post-Ebola: what models and strategies work?
Health Communication Capacity Collaborative (HC3) in Guinea – Case Studies
Post Ebola, Guinea is rebuilding its health system to deliver higher quality care. Part of their effort includes gaining trust again from the community, something that dwindled during the epidemic. Health Communication Capacity Collaborative (HC3) is a five year initiative funded by USAID that is working to address these concerns. HC3 utilizes a social and … [Read more...] about Health Communication Capacity Collaborative (HC3) in Guinea – Case Studies
CHW Defies Culture and Encourages Women to Give Birth in Hospital
Lochuch, a CHW in Kenya, faces many challenges in her job as she tries to protect the health of those in her community. She has dealt with angry husbands and ambulance denials; actions that could lead to harm of pregnant women. Lochuch is working to ensure that women can deliver in a hospital. This article details her personal experience overcoming … [Read more...] about CHW Defies Culture and Encourages Women to Give Birth in Hospital
Community Health Worker’s Role in Bridging the Gap to Universal Healthcare in Rural Kenya
Kenya does not have a strong health infrastructure to support its people causing concern with current universal healthcare goals. Kenya worries it will not be able to deliver care without a strong CHW program such as Rwanda’s. Although Kenya already has CHWs working in certain areas, they are overwhelmed with large numbers of families per CHW and are not able to … [Read more...] about Community Health Worker’s Role in Bridging the Gap to Universal Healthcare in Rural Kenya