The 2023 PHC Forum in Jakarta brought together 783 participants from around the world to discuss how to strengthen primary health care (PHC) and improve health equity. Key themes included investing in PHC to achieve universal health coverage, empowering communities as active partners, supporting community health workers with fair pay and conditions, increasing funding, using … [Read more...] about Synthesising key findings from Indonesia’s first civil society-led forum on primary health care: PHC forum, Jakarta, 13-14 November 2023
Asia
Resilience, ingenuity, and identity: A multi-level analysis of the Filipino community health worker experience in rural and remote municipalities in the Philippines
This study explored the experiences of community health workers (CHWs) in rural and remote areas of the Philippines. Through focus group discussions with 34 CHWs, researchers found that their roles go beyond providing health services, often requiring them to navigate political challenges and limited resources. CHWs relied on their skills, social networks, and organizational … [Read more...] about Resilience, ingenuity, and identity: A multi-level analysis of the Filipino community health worker experience in rural and remote municipalities in the Philippines
Acceptability, feasibility and fidelity of an expanded role for community health workers for malaria elimination in Myanmar: A mixed-method study
This study in Myanmar looked at expanding the role of malaria community health workers (CHWs) to also provide basic primary health care. Surveys, interviews, and focus groups showed that the expanded role was widely accepted by CHWs, health leaders, and 97% of community members. It was seen as helpful because it met local health needs and strengthened CHWs’ roles. The program … [Read more...] about Acceptability, feasibility and fidelity of an expanded role for community health workers for malaria elimination in Myanmar: A mixed-method study
Urban community health workers in Punjab, India: A qualitative study of ASHAs’ roles in the health system
The ASHA program in India is the world’s largest all-female community health worker initiative, but little is known about how ASHAs work in cities. This study explored the roles and challenges of urban ASHAs in Punjab through interviews, focus groups, and observation. Urban ASHAs play a key role in connecting vulnerable communities to healthcare, but they face major challenges … [Read more...] about Urban community health workers in Punjab, India: A qualitative study of ASHAs’ roles in the health system
Community health workers’ knowledge and attitudes toward advance directives in China – a cross-sectional study
Advance Directives (ADs) help ensure patient wishes are respected at the end of life, but awareness of ADs in China is low. This study surveyed 426 community health workers (CHWs) in southwestern China to understand their knowledge and attitudes toward ADs. Only 23% had heard of ADs, though 83% supported the idea. Less than half said they would sign one themselves. The biggest … [Read more...] about Community health workers’ knowledge and attitudes toward advance directives in China – a cross-sectional study