This brief highlights the potential of women's groups as a strategy to improve child health, particularly in reaching underserved communities and zero-dose children (those who haven't received any vaccines). Based on a review of studies from 2010 to 2022, supported by FHI 360 and Gavi, it found that women's groups—community-based groups that share knowledge and build … [Read more...] about Leveraging Women’s Groups: Evidence on Pro-equity Interventions to Improve Immunization Coverage for Zero-dose Children and Missed Communities
Global
Estimating Mental Health Care Shortfalls between Patient’s Need and Health System Capacity A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Data from 144 Countries and Territories
This study examined the gap between mental health service capacity and patient needs in 144 countries. Using data on population, healthcare workers, and mental disorder prevalence, the analysis showed most countries lacked sufficient resources to meet demand, especially under scenarios requiring frequent patient visits. Including physicians in mental health care improved … [Read more...] about Estimating Mental Health Care Shortfalls between Patient’s Need and Health System Capacity A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Data from 144 Countries and Territories
One term to transform: universal health coverage through professional community health workers
There is a shortage of 43 million health workers, and half the global population lacks access to essential health services. Many community health workers (CHWs) are trusted and experienced but are not part of formal systems, leading to limited impact and poor working conditions. Integrating professional CHWs into health systems can be a game-changer for universal healthcare, … [Read more...] about One term to transform: universal health coverage through professional community health workers
Leveraging the Role of Community Health Workers with Community Groups
This brief highlights the effectiveness of collaborations between community health workers (CHWs) and community groups in improving health outcomes, particularly in rural areas. Successful examples include projects in Ethiopia and the CORE Group Polio Project, where these collaborations increased vaccination rates and addressed gender-related barriers. Key factors for success … [Read more...] about Leveraging the Role of Community Health Workers with Community Groups
Interventions and implementation considerations for reducing pre-treatment loss to follow-up in adults with pulmonary tuberculosis: A scoping review
Tuberculosis (TB) is a major global health issue, with many cases in low- and middle-income countries. Pre-treatment loss to follow-up (PTLFU) worsens TB outcomes and spread. A review of 17 studies identified eight effective strategies to reduce PTLFU, such as support groups, mobile notifications, same-day testing, community health workers, and integrated TB/HIV services. … [Read more...] about Interventions and implementation considerations for reducing pre-treatment loss to follow-up in adults with pulmonary tuberculosis: A scoping review