CHW Central

A global resource for and about Community Health Workers

CHW programs

The role of community health workers in enhancing home and community-based services in American Indian communities

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This article highlights how Community Health Workers (CHWs) can help meet health needs in American Indian communities by offering culturally appropriate support, health education, and trusted care. Although CHWs have shown success in improving health access, they are not fully included in home and community-based services due to challenges like lack of funding, training, and … [Read more...] about The role of community health workers in enhancing home and community-based services in American Indian communities

Accelerating Decent Work: Formalizing Home Care and Community Health Workers

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This report shows that many home-based and community health workers still face poor working conditions, like low pay, long hours, and lack of legal protections, especially women. It highlights the need to treat care work as real work, with fair pay and rights, to reduce abuse, support gender equality, and improve the quality of care. Recognizing and protecting these workers … [Read more...] about Accelerating Decent Work: Formalizing Home Care and Community Health Workers

Moving Towards a South African NHI System of Excellence: Recommendations Based on the Insider Perspectives of CHWs as Key Role-Players

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South Africa’s government is improving primary health care through a new plan supported by National Health Insurance (NHI), with Community Health Workers (CHWs) playing a key role. This article shares the views of 31 CHWs from an NHI pilot district and gives suggestions to improve the program. These include having clear team leaders, providing regular training, keeping records … [Read more...] about Moving Towards a South African NHI System of Excellence: Recommendations Based on the Insider Perspectives of CHWs as Key Role-Players

Community Health Workers: Putting “Community” in the MaineHealth Vision

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Community Health Workers (CHWs) are becoming an important part of the MaineHealth system. Their work is helping patients stay engaged in their care and improving health outcomes. Using data from 2024 and patient feedback, this illustration shows how CHWs are making a positive difference for patients, care teams, and local communities. … [Read more...] about Community Health Workers: Putting “Community” in the MaineHealth Vision

Are Economic Evaluations of Task Shifting Too Narrow in Focus? A Rapid Review

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This study reviewed research from 2014 to 2024 on the costs and benefits of task shifting, where health tasks are moved from highly trained workers to others like community health workers, to help address staff shortages. While most studies looked at health costs and outcomes, many failed to consider other important effects like staff workload, access to care, waiting times, … [Read more...] about Are Economic Evaluations of Task Shifting Too Narrow in Focus? A Rapid Review