There is a shortage of 43 million health workers, and half the global population lacks access to essential health services. Many community health workers (CHWs) are trusted and experienced but are not part of formal systems, leading to limited impact and poor working conditions. Integrating professional CHWs into health systems can be a game-changer for universal healthcare, … [Read more...] about One term to transform: universal health coverage through professional community health workers
Review
Inequalities in tuberculosis control in Ethiopia: A district-level distributional modelling analysis
In Ethiopia, adding tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis and treatment to community health workers’ tasks improved TB detection and treatment outcomes. However, access to TB services varies greatly across regions. This study mapped disparities in TB services, health center availability, and distance to care. Prioritizing districts with inadequate access for task-shifting could increase … [Read more...] about Inequalities in tuberculosis control in Ethiopia: A district-level distributional modelling analysis
Interventions and implementation considerations for reducing pre-treatment loss to follow-up in adults with pulmonary tuberculosis: A scoping review
Tuberculosis (TB) is a major global health issue, with many cases in low- and middle-income countries. Pre-treatment loss to follow-up (PTLFU) worsens TB outcomes and spread. A review of 17 studies identified eight effective strategies to reduce PTLFU, such as support groups, mobile notifications, same-day testing, community health workers, and integrated TB/HIV services. … [Read more...] about Interventions and implementation considerations for reducing pre-treatment loss to follow-up in adults with pulmonary tuberculosis: A scoping review
Burnout and mental distress among community health workers in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review of studies during the COVID-19 pandemic
Community health workers (CHWs) in low- and middle-income countries faced significant mental health challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, including depression, anxiety, burnout, and stress. These issues were driven by heavy workloads, financial struggles, and poor workplace conditions. CHWs coped using humor, family support, denial, and sometimes substance use, while also … [Read more...] about Burnout and mental distress among community health workers in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review of studies during the COVID-19 pandemic
The role and recognition of community health workers in research-a global survey
Community Health Workers (CHWs) play a vital role in health services and research but are often excluded from key decisions and authorship in studies related to their work. A review of 1,875 studies found only 15% included CHWs as coauthors, and 32% formally acknowledged them. Barriers like strict authorship guidelines, language differences, limited training, and power … [Read more...] about The role and recognition of community health workers in research-a global survey