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
Evaluation
Task Shifting to Community Health Workers for Home Based Early Detection of Cancers
This study tested a new way to find cancer early in a rural, hilly area of Assam, India. Local community health workers (ASHAs) were trained to screen people for breast, oral, and cervical cancers during home visits. Nearly all the ASHAs took part and screened over 46,000 people, about 70% of those eligible. Most people agreed to be screened at home, and many followed up at … [Read more...] about Task Shifting to Community Health Workers for Home Based Early Detection of Cancers
Empowering Community Health Workers With Scripted Medicine: Design Science Research Study
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
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
Program Evaluation of Community Case Management with Reactive Test and Treat for Malaria in a High-Transmission Setting
In Zambia, a program that combined community-based malaria care and targeted testing (CCM + RTAT) using community health workers helped people get malaria treatment earlier. This led to fewer cases showing up at health facilities and lower death rates among children hospitalized with malaria. The children also had less severe illness and shorter hospital stays. However, while … [Read more...] about Program Evaluation of Community Case Management with Reactive Test and Treat for Malaria in a High-Transmission Setting