Summer is winding down. Store shelves are stocked with notebooks and pencils instead of sunscreen and beach balls. And for most kids, the essential back-to-school purchase is the almighty backpack. If you're going to carry books and lunch to school, you'd better have something durable -- and fashionable! -- strapped on your shoulders. You may be surprised to learn that a … [Read more...] about Backpacks That Save Lives? You Bet!
Case studies
An interview with Dr. Ram Shrestha:Supporting Community Health Workers- Where do we stand?
As a health professional, whenever I visit a rural village in a low-or middle-income country, several thoughts come to mind. Knowing that the formal health system usually ends at a health center, dispensary, or health post in these rural communities, does everyone in this village have access to health services? How can we ensure that there are enough health workers in nearby … [Read more...] about An interview with Dr. Ram Shrestha:Supporting Community Health Workers- Where do we stand?
Community health workers of Afghanistan: a qualitative study of a national program
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
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