This study explored how community health workers (CHWs) in Malawi were trained to better support adolescent mothers. After attending workshops, the CHWs became more open and supportive, moving away from judgmental attitudes. The training helped them deliver life skills sessions in a more gender-responsive way, showing that such programs can improve support for young mothers. … [Read more...] about Empowering community health workers in Malawi to deliver gender responsive life skills training for adolescent mothers to overcome social exclusion
Child health
Community health workers identify children requiring health center admission in Northern Uganda: prehospital risk prediction using vital signs and advanced point-of-care tests
This study tested if community health workers could use simple tools to identify seriously sick children before they reached a health center. Involving 636 children, it found that checking vital signs was better at predicting which kids needed admission than using danger signs or a special blood test (CRP). The results show it's possible for health workers in low-resource areas … [Read more...] about Community health workers identify children requiring health center admission in Northern Uganda: prehospital risk prediction using vital signs and advanced point-of-care tests
Socio-economic determinants of mortality among children aged 0–10 years in Béré, Chad
This study looked at child deaths in Béré, Chad, where poor health records make planning care difficult. Community health workers surveyed 517 families to understand family situations, child deaths, and where people get health advice. Most households were led by male farmers with some education. Infant deaths were most common, especially among boys in the Béré-Mouraye area. … [Read more...] about Socio-economic determinants of mortality among children aged 0–10 years in Béré, Chad
Impact of Preschool Hearing Screening in Low-Income Communities: Program Outcomes and Caregiver Perspectives
This study looked at a preschool hearing screening program in a low- and middle-income country, led by community health workers. Over 21 months, more than 13,000 children were screened, and 6% were referred for more testing. Nearly half of those referred were found to have hearing loss. Caregivers strongly supported the program, especially when screenings happened in … [Read more...] about Impact of Preschool Hearing Screening in Low-Income Communities: Program Outcomes and Caregiver Perspectives
Bringing Child Health Closer to Families: Lessons From a Family MUAC Intervention in Urban and Rural South Africa
This study looked at a program in South Africa where community health workers taught mothers how to check their children for malnutrition using a simple arm measurement (MUAC). The program was more active in rural KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) than in urban Gauteng. Most trained mothers in KZN were able to measure correctly, while fewer did so in Gauteng. Only a small number of mothers … [Read more...] about Bringing Child Health Closer to Families: Lessons From a Family MUAC Intervention in Urban and Rural South Africa