Health systems in wealthy countries are under strain from ageing populations, staff shortages, and rising costs. Community health workers can help by improving access to care, supporting people with social needs, and keeping care connected in the community. While interest in these roles is growing, most programs are small, short-term, and poorly funded. This paper argues that … [Read more...] about The case for community health workers in high-income countries
Editorial
Taking a Climate and Health History: A One Health-Informed Approach to Primary Care and Services
Climate change threatens health, especially in low‑ and middle‑income countries with weak health systems, yet healthcare often misses these risks. Using a One Health approach which links human, animal, and environmental health, clinicians and community health workers can include climate-related questions, like heat exposure, in routine care. This helps identify climate-related … [Read more...] about Taking a Climate and Health History: A One Health-Informed Approach to Primary Care and Services
The Kitchen and the Cook: Context and Roles in Community Health Worker Programs
Community health workers (CHWs) are increasingly recognized for improving care and reducing costs for patients with complex medical and social needs, but research on what makes CHW programs effective remains mixed and varied. To better understand what drives success, this editorial highlights that future research should focus on the context of interventions, use shared … [Read more...] about The Kitchen and the Cook: Context and Roles in Community Health Worker Programs
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