This study looked at the everyday work of ASHAs in urban India and found that their jobs stretch far beyond their official duties. Alongside core health tasks, they are pulled into government activities like election work and often take on extra paid or unpaid projects with NGOs and private groups. These overlapping roles leave them overworked and limit their ability to focus … [Read more...] about Beyond Core Duties: A Framework for Reimagining Community Health Worker Contributions to Health Systems
CHW programs
Preliminary effectiveness and feasibility of ASHA-led mobile health intervention for diabetes care in Indian primary health care settings
This study tested whether community health workers in India, supported by a simple digital tool, could help people manage diabetes better. ASHAs screened nearly 1,800 people and found 418 with diabetes. Those in the intervention group received nine months of follow-up from ASHAs, who were guided by a decision-support app and supervised by doctors. More people in the … [Read more...] about Preliminary effectiveness and feasibility of ASHA-led mobile health intervention for diabetes care in Indian primary health care settings
Working in pairs: male-female village health volunteers supporting maternal health and community engagement in remote and ethnic communities of Lao PDR-a qualitative study
This study looked at how pairing male and female village health volunteers in remote Lao communities affects maternal health outreach. In areas where most CHWs are men, women often feel uncomfortable discussing pregnancy and childbirth with them. The paired model allowed female volunteers to support mothers directly, while male volunteers engaged husbands and community leaders. … [Read more...] about Working in pairs: male-female village health volunteers supporting maternal health and community engagement in remote and ethnic communities of Lao PDR-a qualitative study
Reimagining Primary Health Care: A Historical and Contemporary Review of Community-Based Care Models and Innovations
This review looked at community-based care over the past decades, showing it improves access to essential services like maternal and child health, infectious disease control, and health promotion. Programs led by volunteers and community health workers strengthened health systems but faced issues like high turnover, limited funding, and weak integration. Case studies from … [Read more...] about Reimagining Primary Health Care: A Historical and Contemporary Review of Community-Based Care Models and Innovations
More work for ASHAs? Exploring the role of whatsapp messaging and community health work in urban slum areas of Varanasi, India
This study looked at India’s community health workers (CHWs) and their growing responsibilities, including family planning, vaccinations, and maternal nutrition. While digital tools were meant to ease their work, they often added extra administrative tasks. CHWs remain crucial for building trust and improving vaccine uptake, especially in urban slums, but they need better … [Read more...] about More work for ASHAs? Exploring the role of whatsapp messaging and community health work in urban slum areas of Varanasi, India