In South Africa, community health workers (CHWs) are essential in supporting child development, but many feel they lack sufficient training in early childhood care. This study explored CHWs' motivations, background, and knowledge of early child development. CHWs emphasized the importance of nutrition, breastfeeding, immunization, and preschool education for healthy child growth … [Read more...] about Perceptions of roles of community healthcare workers in early childhood in Limpopo, South Africa
Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)
Insufficient Awareness Regarding Anemia Prevention during Pregnancy among Expectant Women in Uganda
Anemia in pregnancy affects 30-50% of Ugandan mothers, raising risks for preterm birth, low birth weight, and maternal death. Many women lack awareness of anemia prevention, which is impacted by factors like poor nutrition, chronic infections, limited healthcare, and cultural beliefs. This review looks at anemia types, causes, effects, and current prevention methods, such as … [Read more...] about Insufficient Awareness Regarding Anemia Prevention during Pregnancy among Expectant Women in Uganda
Effect of community – facility linked interventions on maternal health service utilization and newborn care in rural low-resource settings in Eastern Uganda
This study evaluated the COMONETH project, aimed at improving maternal and newborn care (MNC) in rural Uganda from 2017 to 2020. By training community health workers to educate and refer pregnant women to health facilities, providing educational videos, and enhancing health worker training, the project increased the use of essential MNC services like antenatal and postnatal … [Read more...] about Effect of community – facility linked interventions on maternal health service utilization and newborn care in rural low-resource settings in Eastern Uganda
“I decided to participate….because I saw it as benefiting our community and families”: a qualitative study of lay providers’ experiences with delivering an evidence-based mental health intervention for families in Uganda
This study examined the experiences of community health workers and parent peers in Uganda who participated in a program to deliver a family strengthening intervention for children with behavioral challenges. Despite initial concerns, participants were motivated by the intervention's relevance and financial incentives. They found the training comprehensive and felt prepared to … [Read more...] about “I decided to participate….because I saw it as benefiting our community and families”: a qualitative study of lay providers’ experiences with delivering an evidence-based mental health intervention for families in Uganda
Expanding Community Health Worker decision space learning from a Participatory Action Research training intervention in a rural South African district
Community Health Workers (CHWs) in South Africa faced numerous challenges, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. A training intervention aimed to support CHWs in making local health decisions and assess its impact. The training equipped CHWs with skills to address community health concerns and fostered dialogue between CHWs and stakeholders. Despite systemic constraints like … [Read more...] about Expanding Community Health Worker decision space learning from a Participatory Action Research training intervention in a rural South African district