The use of CHWs has emerged as a cost-effective approach to extend the reach of health systems. Although it is assumed that low levels of compensation contribute to high drop-out rates among CHWs, a field experiment from Uganda found that the offer of greater financial incentives attracted less socially motivated people to apply to CHW jobs and resulted in high drop-out rates. … [Read more...] about How workers respond to social rewards: evidence from community health workers in Uganda
Community Health Workers/Volunteers
‘A seamless transition’: how to sustain a community health worker scheme within the health system of Gombe state, northeast Nigeria
Donor-funded interventions are frequently not adopted, scaled or sustained, or they diminish in efficacy or deviate from the intended protocol. Incorporating village health workers (VHWs) and strengthening their roles is a common intervention funded by donors to tackle maternal, newborn and child health issues. This paper explores the sustainability of VHWs at different levels … [Read more...] about ‘A seamless transition’: how to sustain a community health worker scheme within the health system of Gombe state, northeast Nigeria
Perceptions of Lady Health Workers and their trainers about their curriculum for implementing the interventions identified for Essential Package of Health Services for Pakistan
In the efforts to expand health services and address the shortage of health workers, Pakistan’s government focused on improving the quality of training for CHWs. Lady Health Workers (LHWs) are an essential group of CHWs and compose the most extensive and valuable health resource. Focus group discussions were conducted to identify key themes to address the gaps in their … [Read more...] about Perceptions of Lady Health Workers and their trainers about their curriculum for implementing the interventions identified for Essential Package of Health Services for Pakistan
“Eternally restarting” or “a branch line of continuity”? Exploring consequences of external shocks on community health systems in Haiti
Community health systems (CHS) are integral in promoting well-being in humanitarian settings, such as Haiti, that face disruptive socio-political and environmental shocks. Haiti’s community health workers (CHWs) are critical intermediaries and this study explores how shocks influence CHS functionality and resilience in the country. Respondents recommended government support … [Read more...] about “Eternally restarting” or “a branch line of continuity”? Exploring consequences of external shocks on community health systems in Haiti
Learnings From a Pilot Study to Strengthen Primary Health Care Services: The Community-Clinic-Centered Health Service Model in Barishal District, Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, efforts have been made to strengthen the partnerships between community health workers (CHWs) and community clinics. Using qualitative data such as key informant interviews and focus group discussions, investigators found that through engaging government members and coordinating multi-level healthcare work, community health workers were valuable in mobilizing … [Read more...] about Learnings From a Pilot Study to Strengthen Primary Health Care Services: The Community-Clinic-Centered Health Service Model in Barishal District, Bangladesh