This literature review provides an overview of the concepts and practices among CHWs from across a range of developing and developed countries. The authors review various ways that CHWs have been used in different settings and analyze the role, management, and other factors that influence performance of CHWs. They also illustrate some of the policy challenges that exist in … [Read more...] about Community Health Workers: A Review of Concepts, Practice, and Policy Concerns
Policy
Task shifting to tackle health worker shortages
This WHO report focuses on the “train” aspect of the task-shifting idea of "treat, train, retain," in the effort to reduce the burden on existing healthcare professionals by shifting certain tasks to others such as CHWs. This paper outlines the WHO’s approach to the training crisis. … [Read more...] about Task shifting to tackle health worker shortages
Community-Based Health Workers Can Safely and Effectively Administer Injectable Contraceptives
In an effort to inform future policies and programs, WHO, USAID, and Family Health International (FHI) convened a consultation group on injectable contraceptives and CHWs. The report concludes that CHWs, given appropriate training, can provide contraceptive injectables effectively and that the expanded use of injectable contraceptives by CHWs will provide underserved … [Read more...] about Community-Based Health Workers Can Safely and Effectively Administer Injectable Contraceptives
Country Case Study Ghana: Implementing a National Human Resources for Health Plan
This report describes key issues in the implementation of Ghana's health workforce development plan, which aims to address morale and distribution challenges. Priority is being given to mid-level workers operating in community settings, and to incentive schemes to improve morale and retention. … [Read more...] about Country Case Study Ghana: Implementing a National Human Resources for Health Plan
Systems Support for Task-Shifting to Community Health Workers
This technical brief discusses necessary elements of a successful approach to task-shifting of life-saving services to CHWs. The document highlights the importance of systems for planning and regulation, education and training, supervision, referral and evaluation. … [Read more...] about Systems Support for Task-Shifting to Community Health Workers