In 2003 a Basic Package of Health Services was designed to provide services to the rural population in Afghanistan. This descriptive, qualitative study examines the gender breakdown and effectiveness of the CHW workforce. As some of the 20,000 CHWs across the country move up the hierarchy of supervision and training, management and decision making, the ratio of women to man … [Read more...] about Community health workers of Afghanistan: a qualitative study of a national program
Community Health Workers/Volunteers
Integrating national community-based health worker programmes into health systems: a systematic review identifying lessons learned from low-and middle-income countries
A systematic review of published research was conducted in order to understand factors that may influence the integration of national community-based health worker (CBHW) programs into low- and middle –income countries. Four programs – Brazil, Ethiopia, India, and Pakistan – met the inclusion criteria and were integrated into their specific health systems. Several factors were … [Read more...] about Integrating national community-based health worker programmes into health systems: a systematic review identifying lessons learned from low-and middle-income countries
Global Health Content for Local Solutions: Consultations Synopsis
This report outlines a series of workshops convened by mPowering Frontline Health Workers and partners to consider whether the global health community is following the most beneficial route to provide relevant and effective health training for FLHWs. Focusing in particular on CHWs, who work directly in the communities they serve, the forums explored the potential for a set … [Read more...] about Global Health Content for Local Solutions: Consultations Synopsis
Supporting close-to-community providers through a community health system approach: case examples from Ethiopia and Tanzania
Close-to-community (CTC) providers, including community health workers or volunteers or health extension workers, can be effective in promoting access to and utilization of health services. Tasks are often shifted to these providers with limited resources and support from CTC programmes or communities. The Community Health System Strengthening (CHSS) model is part of an … [Read more...] about Supporting close-to-community providers through a community health system approach: case examples from Ethiopia and Tanzania
What do community health workers have to say about their work, and how can this inform improved programme design? A case study with CHWs within Kenya
Community health workers (CHWs) are used increasingly in the world to address shortages of health workers and the lack of a pervasive national health system. However, while their role is often described at a policy level, it is not clear how these ideals are instantiated in practice, how best to support this work, or how the work is interpreted by local actors. CHWs are often … [Read more...] about What do community health workers have to say about their work, and how can this inform improved programme design? A case study with CHWs within Kenya