Research demonstrates the effectiveness of CHWs and community-based health programs to expand universal health care to low-income, rural populations. Rod Bennett and his colleagues assessed the cost and feasibility of implementing a CHW program in the Waterberg district of Limpopo province in South Africa, a region that has not yet achieved community-oriented primary care. The … [Read more...] about Modelling cost benefit of community-oriented primary care in rural South Africa
South Africa
Contextual factors affecting the integration of community health workers into the health system in Limpopo Province, 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
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
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
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