Despite the life-saving work CHWs perform, they have long been subject to global debate about their remuneration. Donors and officials in many countries believe that CHW salaries are not ‘sustainable’ or that remunerating CHWs might pollute their intrinsic motivations. However, there is now consensus that CHWs should be paid appropriately. This study examines the legal … [Read more...] about Compensation models for community health workers: Comparison of legal frameworks across five countries
South Africa
Are we listening to community health workers? Experiences of the community health worker journey in rural South Africa
CHWs are integral to addressing healthcare shortages in rural South Africa, but little is known about their experiences implementing CHW programs. To strengthen program implementation, this study conducted semi structured interviews with 18 CHWs to understand their experiences with government-implemented CHW programs. The study determined 3 themes that established CHW work … [Read more...] about Are we listening to community health workers? Experiences of the community health worker journey in rural South Africa
Can public sector community health workers deliver a nurturing care intervention in South Africa? The Amagugu Asakhula feasibility study
Nurturing care interventions can help promote health and development in early childhood. Amagugu Asakhula is an intervention designed to promote developmentally important dietary and movement behaviors among children 3–5 years in South Africa. This study evaluated the delivery of the intervention by CHWs. Results showed that the intervention was not found to be feasible due to … [Read more...] about Can public sector community health workers deliver a nurturing care intervention in South Africa? The Amagugu Asakhula feasibility study
Systematic review of performance-enhancing health worker supervision approaches in low- and middle-income countries
Through a systematic review, the authors of this study explored approaches to worker supervision that improved CHW performance across low- and middle- income countries. Thirty of the 57 studies that were reviewed focused on CHW programs. The majority of successful approaches utilized some type of digital supervision technologies, such as SmartPhone or mHealth applications. The … [Read more...] about Systematic review of performance-enhancing health worker supervision approaches in low- and middle-income countries
Community health workers to improve adherence to anti-seizure medication in rural South Africa: Is it cost-effective?
Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) experience a high disease burden for epilepsy, a chronic neurological condition.The authors evaluate the cost-effectiveness of community health workers (CHWs) to improve adherence to medication for epilepsy in South Africa. They found that utilizing CHWs to improve medication adherence was cost-effective. … [Read more...] about Community health workers to improve adherence to anti-seizure medication in rural South Africa: Is it cost-effective?