This study looked at how community health workers (CHWs) in sub-Saharan Africa can better provide people-centered care. By reviewing research from 2014 to 2024, the study found that trust, motivation, and good leadership are key to CHW success. It also highlighted that CHWs work best when they are part of formal health systems, connected to community efforts, and supported by … [Read more...] about Optimizing the role and functions of CHWs in service of a people-centred community health system in sub-Saharan Africa. A realist synthesis
Review
Are Economic Evaluations of Task Shifting Too Narrow in Focus? A Rapid Review
This study reviewed research from 2014 to 2024 on the costs and benefits of task shifting, where health tasks are moved from highly trained workers to others like community health workers, to help address staff shortages. While most studies looked at health costs and outcomes, many failed to consider other important effects like staff workload, access to care, waiting times, … [Read more...] about Are Economic Evaluations of Task Shifting Too Narrow in Focus? A Rapid Review
Costs and cost-effectiveness of community health worker programs focussed on HIV, TB and malaria infectious diseases in low- and middle-income countries (2015–2024) A scoping literature review
This review looked at how cost-effective community health worker (CHW) programs are in tackling HIV, TB, and malaria in low- and middle-income countries. It included 33 studies from 2015 to 2024, mostly from sub-Saharan Africa. CHWs provided services like health education, finding cases, helping with diagnosis, treatment support, and referrals. Most studies found that CHW … [Read more...] about Costs and cost-effectiveness of community health worker programs focussed on HIV, TB and malaria infectious diseases in low- and middle-income countries (2015–2024) A scoping literature review
Building Community Networks and Engagement for Effective TB Case Management
Tuberculosis (TB) is still a major health issue, especially in low- and middle-income countries. This review looks at how involving communities can help improve TB care. It shows that community support helps with early detection, sticking to treatment, and managing the illness over time. Key approaches include using community health workers, involving different sectors, and … [Read more...] about Building Community Networks and Engagement for Effective TB Case Management
A scoping review of the roles, challenges, and strategies for enhancing the performance of community health workers in the response against COVID-19 in low- and middle-income countries
This study looked at how community health workers (CHWs) helped fight COVID-19 in low- and middle-income countries. CHWs played a key role by educating communities, tracing contacts, supporting quarantine, helping with vaccinations, and keeping basic health services going. However, they faced challenges like lack of supplies, poor protection, low pay, and stigma. The study … [Read more...] about A scoping review of the roles, challenges, and strategies for enhancing the performance of community health workers in the response against COVID-19 in low- and middle-income countries