CHW Central

A global resource for and about Community Health Workers

South Africa

Home visits by community health workers in rural South Africa have a limited, but important impact on maternal and child health in the first two years of life

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Generalist CHWs were integrated into the South African health care system in 2011 to support limited availability of primary health care providers. Areas particularly needing support included rural communities struggling to address maternal and child health needs. Linnea Stansert Katzen and her colleagues followed 313 mothers in two rural South African areas over the course of … [Read more...] about Home visits by community health workers in rural South Africa have a limited, but important impact on maternal and child health in the first two years of life

Exploration of Community Health Workers’ views about in their role and support in Primary Health Care in Northern Cape, South Africa

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The objectives of this study conducted in South Africa were better understand CHW views of their work and work environment. Findings showed that CHWs perform various health and social care roles, they believe they make a substantial impact on the primary healthcare system, and the system relies on them. They stated community recognition and a good relationship with their team … [Read more...] about Exploration of Community Health Workers’ views about in their role and support in Primary Health Care in Northern Cape, South Africa

Evaluating community health worker education policy through a National Certificate (Vocational) Primary Health qualification lens

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South Africa’s National Department of Health (NDoH) intended to determine whether the National Certificate (Vocational), or NC(V), for CHWs met the qualifications set forth by the NDoH and World Health Organization (WHO) for CHW programme optimization. Using qualitative data collection, the researchers found that the NC(V) met the NDoH and WHO guidelines when offered part-time. … [Read more...] about Evaluating community health worker education policy through a National Certificate (Vocational) Primary Health qualification lens

Quality assured COVID-19 Library of resources for community-based health workers

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This database offers a variety of medically-reviewed educational materials regarding COVID-19. Visitors will find resources related to: emergency response, risk mitigation and community engagement, case finding, surveillance, public health prevention measures, infection prevention and control, lab testing, case management, and societal response. … [Read more...] about Quality assured COVID-19 Library of resources for community-based health workers

The supervisory relationships of community health workers in primary health care: social network analysis of ward-based outreach teams in Ngaka Modiri Molema District, South Africa

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This study used social network analysis to examine supervisor-supervisee relationships. Direct supervisors of CHW teams and peer support are the strongest supervisory relationships. The study found that PHC staff and middle managers play a weaker role in CHW supervision. … [Read more...] about The supervisory relationships of community health workers in primary health care: social network analysis of ward-based outreach teams in Ngaka Modiri Molema District, South Africa