CHW programs

Community and health systems learning: critical realist evaluation of the VAPAR ‘learning platform’ in rural South Africa 2015-25

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This study looked at a program in rural South Africa that brought communities, health workers, and decision-makers together to learn and solve health problems. Over time, it helped build trust, improve teamwork, and strengthen the role of community health workers, making health services more responsive to local needs. The approach became part of the health system and adapted to … [Read more...] about Community and health systems learning: critical realist evaluation of the VAPAR ‘learning platform’ in rural South Africa 2015-25

Long-term cost-effectiveness of a mobile health intervention delivered by clinical pharmacists and community health workers for type 2 diabetes management in urban African American and Latinx populations

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This study looked at a program where community health workers and pharmacists used mobile tools to help people manage diabetes. It found that the program improved health over time and reduced overall healthcare costs compared to usual care, especially in the long term. The results suggest that this team-based approach can both improve patient outcomes and save money. … [Read more...] about Long-term cost-effectiveness of a mobile health intervention delivered by clinical pharmacists and community health workers for type 2 diabetes management in urban African American and Latinx populations

Altruism or Exploitation? Rethinking the Ethics of Unpaid Lay Community Health Workers in Sub- Saharan Africa. The Case of Zambia

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This study looked at whether community health workers in Zambia are being treated fairly when they are not paid. It found that many continue to work out of a strong desire to help their communities, even with little or irregular pay and limited resources. However, the study argues that this situation can still be unfair and that these workers should be properly paid to … [Read more...] about Altruism or Exploitation? Rethinking the Ethics of Unpaid Lay Community Health Workers in Sub- Saharan Africa. The Case of Zambia

When ART is not a magic bullet: Tailored care for vulnerable people living with hiv in the era of treat-all in Shinyanga, Tanzania

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This study looked at how community health workers in Tanzania help people living with HIV stay on treatment. It found that for vulnerable groups like children and older adults, support from families, communities, and health workers is essential. Community health workers play a key role because they understand their communities and can connect people to this support. The study … [Read more...] about When ART is not a magic bullet: Tailored care for vulnerable people living with hiv in the era of treat-all in Shinyanga, Tanzania

Effect of a Community-Based Enhancement Program on Emergency Assistance and Marine Patient Transfer Coordination Competency Among Community Health Volunteers on the Remote Islands of Southern Thailand: Quasi-Experimental Study

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This study looked at whether training community health volunteers in a remote island in Thailand could improve their ability to respond to emergencies and coordinate patient transport. After the training, their knowledge, skills, and confidence improved significantly and stayed high over time. The study shows that with proper and ongoing training, community volunteers can play … [Read more...] about Effect of a Community-Based Enhancement Program on Emergency Assistance and Marine Patient Transfer Coordination Competency Among Community Health Volunteers on the Remote Islands of Southern Thailand: Quasi-Experimental Study