CHW Central

A global resource for and about Community Health Workers

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)

Physical rehabilitation delivery by community health workers: Views of the users and caregivers

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In Lusaka, Zambia, some community health workers provide physical rehabilitation services without formal training. This study interviewed people who received these services and their caregivers. Despite limited training, the support from health workers helped users. However, there were concerns about their skills, unmet needs, and service quality. Training community health … [Read more...] about Physical rehabilitation delivery by community health workers: Views of the users and caregivers

Visions of Community Health and the Social Good in Kenya: Turning Community Health Workers into Entrepreneurs

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This study looks at a program in Kenya called Healthy Entrepreneurs, which trains community health workers to run small health businesses. Instead of relying on donations, the program gives them loans, business training, and mobile phones to order and sell health products in their villages. While the goal is to make healthcare more sustainable, it also puts pressure on … [Read more...] about Visions of Community Health and the Social Good in Kenya: Turning Community Health Workers into Entrepreneurs

Empowering Community Health Workers With Scripted Medicine: Design Science Research Study

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This study developed and tested a new mobile health tool called Scripted Medicine to help community health workers (CHWs) in Lesotho take on more responsibilities in caring for chronic diseases. The tool uses clear medical guidelines and social communication scripts to teach CHWs both medical and counseling skills. Results showed that these tools helped CHWs feel more confident … [Read more...] about Empowering Community Health Workers With Scripted Medicine: Design Science Research Study

Enhancing tuberculosis (TB) case detection among hospitalized patients through lay health worker led screening: a before-and-after study in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

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This study in South Africa tested whether trained lay health workers could help find more tuberculosis (TB) cases in hospitals by doing regular screening and using better testing tools. Compared to the year before, the number of patients diagnosed with TB doubled (from 7.5% to 15%) and fewer people died in the hospital. The results show that using lay health workers for TB … [Read more...] about Enhancing tuberculosis (TB) case detection among hospitalized patients through lay health worker led screening: a before-and-after study in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Examining the Implementation Experience of Primary Health Care Networks (PCNs) in Kenya: A Qualitative Study

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Kenya introduced Primary Health Care Networks (PCNs) to improve basic health services. This study looked at how well the PCNs are being used in five counties. While the idea had strong support from both experts and leaders, putting it into practice faced several challenges. Key parts of the program, like forming health teams and using digital tools, were not fully carried out. … [Read more...] about Examining the Implementation Experience of Primary Health Care Networks (PCNs) in Kenya: A Qualitative Study