This study looks at the challenges faced by female community health workers (CHWs) in India, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. These women often juggle demanding health work with family responsibilities and face issues like low pay, poor training, lack of support, and gender inequality. Many were not given protective equipment during the pandemic, and some went unpaid. … [Read more...] about ASHA Workers During COVID-19 in India: At the Intersection of Gender and Work
Evaluation
From stigma to solutions: harnessing local wisdom to tackle harms associated with menstrual seclusion (chhaupadi) in Nepal
In Nepal, the tradition of chhaupadi isolates women during menstruation and after childbirth, leading to health risks. This study in Dailekh used a community-led approach to develop solutions to reduce its negative impact. The process involved engaging key stakeholders and designing five interventions, including counseling by female community health volunteers (FCHVs), … [Read more...] about From stigma to solutions: harnessing local wisdom to tackle harms associated with menstrual seclusion (chhaupadi) in Nepal
Extending Kingdon’s Multiple Streams Policy Framework Through an Analysis of How Community Health Workers in India Are Driving Policy Changes
This paper explores how India’s Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), despite being at the lowest level of the health system, have successfully advocated for better wages and working conditions. Through protests, strikes, and strategic engagement with policymakers, ASHAs have secured incremental wage increases, with significant progress during the COVID-19 pandemic. The … [Read more...] about Extending Kingdon’s Multiple Streams Policy Framework Through an Analysis of How Community Health Workers in India Are Driving Policy Changes
Evaluation of a peer-led research best practices training for community health workers and promotoras.
This study evaluated a training program designed to help community health workers (CHWs) and promotoras (CHW/Ps) participate in research. The course, available in English and Spanish, was delivered in-person or online by experienced facilitators. A total of 394 CHW/Ps completed the training, with over 95% reporting improved skills and 98% finding it relevant and useful. While … [Read more...] about Evaluation of a peer-led research best practices training for community health workers and promotoras.
Exploration of the multi-level barriers to scaling up methadone for HIV prevention among people who inject drugs in Kazakhstan
In Kazakhstan, methadone is a free treatment for opioid use disorder, but few people who need it are using it. This study explored barriers to methadone access among people who inject drugs (PWID), healthcare providers, and policymakers. Key challenges included concerns about methadone safety, strict entry requirements, and limited availability. Clinicians and community health … [Read more...] about Exploration of the multi-level barriers to scaling up methadone for HIV prevention among people who inject drugs in Kazakhstan