This study looked at why many women in rural Burkina Faso still do not use modern family planning, and whether community health workers could help. Community health workers were trained to provide family planning services in some areas, while other areas relied on health facilities as usual. After eight months, use of contraception was similar in both groups. Women were more … [Read more...] about Task-shifting through community health workers: Factors influencing access and utilization of modern family planning methods in Ziniaré, Burkina Faso
Africa
Harnessing Community Health Workers to Improve Adolescent Health and Well-being in Africa
This brief looks at how community health workers (CHWs) support adolescent health in sub-Saharan Africa. Drawing on over 60 studies, it shows that CHWs; both peers and adults; can effectively improve mental health, HIV care, and sexual and reproductive health. It highlights what works best for reaching adolescents, building trust, protecting confidentiality, and addressing … [Read more...] about Harnessing Community Health Workers to Improve Adolescent Health and Well-being in Africa
Accelerating community health worker programmes: a key priority of the Global Health Initiatives for the operationalisation of the Lusaka Agenda in Africa
Community health workers are vital to primary healthcare in Africa and play a key role during health emergencies. However, many CHW programs struggle because of weak coordination, short-term funding, and partners working separately. The Lusaka Agenda offers a chance for governments, donors, and health organizations to work together under a shared plan, budget, and tracking … [Read more...] about Accelerating community health worker programmes: a key priority of the Global Health Initiatives for the operationalisation of the Lusaka Agenda in Africa
Benefits and limitations of rigorous cost analyses in community health
Hypertension and diabetes are major challenges in low-income areas, where many people lack diagnosis or care. In Lesotho, a program showed that community health workers (CHWs) using a tablet-based tool can effectively screen for these conditions. Scaling up is challenging, as many CHWs lack pay, training, and support, and adding tasks can strain them. Careful integration, CHW … [Read more...] about Benefits and limitations of rigorous cost analyses in community health
Costs and coverage of community health worker-led hypertension and diabetes screening in rural Lesotho (ComBaCaL): cost–consequence analysis of a cohort study
In rural Lesotho, community health workers (CHWs) used a tablet-based clinical decision support app to screen adults for hypertension and diabetes, reaching high coverage at moderate costs. Over 6 months, CHWs screened 88% of eligible adults for hypertension and 95% for diabetes. The cost per person screened was $41 in the project model and $17 in a routine implementation … [Read more...] about Costs and coverage of community health worker-led hypertension and diabetes screening in rural Lesotho (ComBaCaL): cost–consequence analysis of a cohort study