CHW Central

A global resource for and about Community Health Workers

South Africa

Systematic review of performance-enhancing health worker supervision approaches in low- and middle-income countries

by

Through a systematic review, the authors of this study explored approaches to worker supervision that improved CHW performance across low- and middle- income countries. Thirty of the 57 studies that were reviewed focused on CHW programs. The majority of successful approaches utilized some type of digital supervision technologies, such as SmartPhone or mHealth applications. The … [Read more...] about Systematic review of performance-enhancing health worker supervision approaches in low- and middle-income countries

Community health workers to improve adherence to anti-seizure medication in rural South Africa: Is it cost-effective?

by

Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) experience a high disease burden for epilepsy, a chronic neurological condition.The authors evaluate the cost-effectiveness of community health workers (CHWs) to improve adherence to medication for epilepsy in South Africa. They found that utilizing CHWs to improve medication adherence was cost-effective. … [Read more...] about Community health workers to improve adherence to anti-seizure medication in rural South Africa: Is it cost-effective?

Community health worker models in South Africa: a qualitative study on policy implementation of the 2018/19 revised framework

by

Community health workers (CHWs) are well-positioned to provide essential healthcare due, in part, to their deep integration with the community they serve. Researchers conducted a qualitative study in six provinces in South Africa to better understand CHW policy implementation. Through interviews with provincial and district health managers and service providers, they identified … [Read more...] about Community health worker models in South Africa: a qualitative study on policy implementation of the 2018/19 revised framework

Community health workers’ efforts to build health system trust in marginalised communities: a qualitative study from South Africa

by

The authors of this study investigate CHW workplace trust, trust between the patient and the CHW, and trust in the health system within the national CHW program in South Africa. They found that while CHWs had low workplace trust and there is low trust in the healthcare system to provide adequate care, there is significant trust between CHWs and their patients. These results … [Read more...] about Community health workers’ efforts to build health system trust in marginalised communities: a qualitative study from South Africa

Compensation models for community health workers: Comparison of legal frameworks across five countries

by

Despite their vital function in keeping communities healthy and safe, community health worker (CHW) pay has long been a subject to global debate. This study maps the legal environment for CHW compensation in Brazil, Ghana, Nigeria, Rwanda, and South Africa. Ultimately, having a strong legal framework does not guarantee proper compensation for CHWs, but it is an important first … [Read more...] about Compensation models for community health workers: Comparison of legal frameworks across five countries