Community engagement is considered to be a valuable strategy to improving health systems. However, there is limited evidence regarding the effectiveness of this approach. This study focused on operations research of a community-based health information system (PCBHIS). The development and implementation of the PCBHIS was assessed in slum communities. … [Read more...] about Piloting a participatory, community-based health information system for strengthening community-based health services: findings of a cluster-randomized controlled trial in the slums of Freetown, Sierra Leone
Community Assessment
Community Health Worker Assessment and Improvement Matrix (CHW AIM): Updated Program Functionality Matrix for Optimizing Community Health Programs
To support quality CHW program design and implementation, USAID, UNICEF, the Community Health Impact Coalition, and Initiatives Inc. have updated and adapted the Community Health Worker Assessment and Improvement Matrix (CHW AIM) Program Functionality Matrix tool. This tool can be applied at district, regional, and national levels to identify and close gaps in design and … [Read more...] about Community Health Worker Assessment and Improvement Matrix (CHW AIM): Updated Program Functionality Matrix for Optimizing Community Health Programs
A gender analysis of a national community health workers program: A case study of Afghanistan.
This qualitative resource explores the gendered dynamics of the CHW program in Afghanistan. It examines how broader societal gender norms affect the CHW program and suggests that the gendered division of health labour may provide opportunities for women's empowerment. … [Read more...] about A gender analysis of a national community health workers program: A case study of Afghanistan.
Using community health workers to refer pregnant women and young children to health care facilities in rural West Bengal, India: A prospective cohort study
CHWs have been deployed in rural parts of India to improve access to preventative care in the country. This prospective cohort study describes how pregnant women and mothers of young children in rural West Bengal, India react when CHWs inform them that they, or their child, are at high risk of pregnancy-related complications or early childhood development delays and need … [Read more...] about Using community health workers to refer pregnant women and young children to health care facilities in rural West Bengal, India: A prospective cohort study
Strengthening the Healthy Start Workforce: A Mixed-Methods Study to Understand the Roles of Community Health Workers in Healthy Start and Inform the Development of a Standardized Training Program
Healthy Start (HS) is a program dedicated to preventing infant mortality, improving birth outcomes, and reducing maternal and infant health disparities. This mixed-methods study researched how CHWs, an essential part of the HS workforce, provide for families and communities and inform the development of a standardized training program. … [Read more...] about Strengthening the Healthy Start Workforce: A Mixed-Methods Study to Understand the Roles of Community Health Workers in Healthy Start and Inform the Development of a Standardized Training Program