CHW Central

A global resource for and about Community Health Workers

South Africa

Application of primary healthcare principles in national community health worker programmes in low-income and middle-income countries: a scoping review

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This systematic review sought to investigate how primary health care (PHC) principles in CHW programs impact health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries. Four PHC principles were included in the review: universal health care, community participation, intersectoral coordination, and appropriateness of services. Authors screened 281 papers, and included 26 for review. … [Read more...] about Application of primary healthcare principles in national community health worker programmes in low-income and middle-income countries: a scoping review

Challenges experienced by community health workers and their motivation to attend a self-management programme

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This study sought to investigate the challenges, both professional and personal, that CHWs face while carrying out their daily activities. Researchers conducted in-depth interviews with 15 CHWs from the Western Cape, South Africa. Through these interviews, five themes emerged regarding professional challenges faced by CHWs: social conditions, patients’ mental health, work … [Read more...] about Challenges experienced by community health workers and their motivation to attend a self-management programme

Community Health Worker Impact on Knowledge, Antenatal Care, And Birth Outcomes: A Systematic Review

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CHW interventions have been associated with improved birth outcomes. Through a systematic review, the authors of this study explore the relationship between birth outcomes and patient health knowledge and attitudes. The review suggests that CHW interventions have increased antenatal care utilization, enhanced knowledge of pregnancy-related danger signs, and contributed to … [Read more...] about Community Health Worker Impact on Knowledge, Antenatal Care, And Birth Outcomes: A Systematic Review

Financing Alliance for Health Country Case Study: South Africa

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Financing Alliance for Health has produced a series of country case studies providing robust information on community health system profiles, taking a financing lens. Each case study includes insights on community health system context, structure and lessons on financing. South Africa began a PHC re-engineering process in 2010, and launched the Policy Framework and Strategy … [Read more...] about Financing Alliance for Health Country Case Study: South Africa

Developing a district level supportive supervision framework for community health workers through co-production in South Africa

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In an effort to address highly chronic communicable/non communicable diseases and move towards Universal Health Coverage, South Africa relies on community health worker programs. However, CHW programs suffer from limited training and resources, low trust with other primary health care workers and inadequate supervision. This study applied the model of co-production to a … [Read more...] about Developing a district level supportive supervision framework for community health workers through co-production in South Africa