This study explored how mothers and caregivers felt about the Family MUAC program in South Africa, which trained them to measure their child's nutrition. Mothers appreciated the support from community health workers (CHWs), who were seen as caring and helpful. At first, measuring MUAC was challenging, but with CHW guidance, mothers became more confident. The program helped … [Read more...] about A qualitative study to explore mother’s experiences of a family MUAC project in two provinces in South Africa
Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)
Constrained optimization: evaluating possible packages of community health interventions with competing resource requirements in Galmudug, Somalia
This study focused on helping save mothers’ and babies’ lives in rural Somalia, where resources are limited. Using a math-based model, researchers figured out the best mix of health services that Community Health Workers (CHWs) could provide with the money and staff available. With 1,450 female health workers and a $435,000 budget, the model showed that about 15% of expected … [Read more...] about Constrained optimization: evaluating possible packages of community health interventions with competing resource requirements in Galmudug, Somalia
Barriers to community engagement during the response to an Ebola virus disease outbreak in Uganda
This study looked at the challenges faced in involving communities during Uganda’s 2022–2023 Ebola outbreak response. It found that engagement was affected by poor communication, lack of early consultation with communities, overworked and unpaid community health workers, and weak coordination among government and partners. To improve future emergency responses, the study … [Read more...] about Barriers to community engagement during the response to an Ebola virus disease outbreak in Uganda
What Works In CHW Approaches And Innovation Serving People In Reentry From Incarceration
This toolkit highlights how Community Health Workers (CHWs) and peers with lived experience support people returning to their communities after incarceration. Reentry can be overwhelming, with challenges like meeting probation requirements, finding housing, jobs, and health services. CHWs and peers help by offering guidance, emotional support, and connections to care—especially … [Read more...] about What Works In CHW Approaches And Innovation Serving People In Reentry From Incarceration
Community Health Workers as Key Providers of Easy-to-Use Contraceptive Injectables
This study tested what happens when trained community health workers are allowed to give women a new type of birth control shot during home visits. The number of shots given went up by about 70%. However, overall birth control use didn’t increase much, since many women chose the shots instead of longer-lasting options like implants or IUDs. … [Read more...] about Community Health Workers as Key Providers of Easy-to-Use Contraceptive Injectables