This study looked at how well community health workers in Sierra Leone understand and support people with depression. It found that they could recognize depression but often missed serious risks like suicide, and faced challenges such as stigma, limited training, and weak health system support. The study shows that improving training, community awareness, and overall support … [Read more...] about Community health workers’ perceptions of depression and barriers and facilitators to mental health care in Sierra Leone: A qualitative study
Africa
Lay community health worker-led care with mobile decision support for uncontrolled hypertension: a cluster-randomized trial
This study in rural Lesotho tested whether community health workers could safely manage high blood pressure using a mobile tool that guides treatment decisions. In 103 villages, people with hypertension either received care from trained community health workers or were referred to health facilities for usual care. After one year, more patients in the community health worker … [Read more...] about Lay community health worker-led care with mobile decision support for uncontrolled hypertension: a cluster-randomized trial
Africa Community Health Programme | Continental Landscape Survey Report 2024/5
Community health systems are important for improving health care access across Africa, especially for people in remote and underserved areas. Community health workers play a key role by providing essential services and responding to health emergencies. In 2024, Africa CDC and UNICEF carried out a continent-wide survey to understand the current state of community health systems, … [Read more...] about Africa Community Health Programme | Continental Landscape Survey Report 2024/5
Task-shifting through community health workers: Factors influencing access and utilization of modern family planning methods in Ziniaré, Burkina Faso
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
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