This action article stresses the significance of CHWs for achieving 4 pivotal goals in the effort against the COVID-19 pandemic and its disproportionate effects on vulnerable populations. The authors argue for and present strategies to: “(1) PROTECT healthcare workers, (2) INTERRUPT the virus, (3) MAINTAIN existing healthcare services while surging their capacity, and (4) … [Read more...] about Prioritising the role of community health workers in the COVID-19 response
Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC)
Observational stepped-wedge analysis of a community health worker-led intervention for diabetes and hypertension in rural Mexico
This study evaluated a CHW-led intervention focusing on patients suffering from diabetes and hypertension in rural Mexico. The results indicated a decrease in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) in diabetic patients by 0.35%; similarly, the research showed a decrease in systolic blood pressure (SBP) in hypertensive patients by 4.7 mm Hg. … [Read more...] about Observational stepped-wedge analysis of a community health worker-led intervention for diabetes and hypertension in rural Mexico
Community Health Workers and Pandemic Preparedness: Current and Prospective Roles
Gathering insight from the Ebola and Zika pandemics, this article highlights the roles of CHWs in pandemic preparedness. It analyzes how CHWs promote community health before, during, and after a pandemic’s emergence noting their roles in health service delivery, ability to deliver culturally relevant health messages, and motivation to serve their communities. The authors … [Read more...] about Community Health Workers and Pandemic Preparedness: Current and Prospective Roles
Community Engagement for COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control: A Rapid Review of the Evidence
Produced by the Community Health Community of Practice (CH CoP), this rapid evidence review collected key information on the involvement of communities in addressing COVID-19. It highlighted the importance of community engagement (CE) in pandemic response and control and provides a succinct list of key findings. … [Read more...] about Community Engagement for COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control: A Rapid Review of the Evidence
Development assistance for community health workers in 114 low- and middle-income countries, 2007–2017
To grow and be sustained, CHW programs require funding. This study analyzed Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development data from 2007 to 2017 to evaluate investments in CHW programs. The results indicated that funds for CHW programs represent a small fraction of investments in public health development, and have reduced in recent years. The researchers called for … [Read more...] about Development assistance for community health workers in 114 low- and middle-income countries, 2007–2017