This study examines different ways to fund Kenya's community health worker (CHW) program by analyzing seven case studies. These include traditional grants, loans, social enterprises, and public-private partnerships. The research shows that while public funding has supported disease-specific projects, relying too much on external funding can be risky for long-term … [Read more...] about Sustainable Financing For Kenyan Community Health Worker Programs
Kenya
Readiness of primary healthcare and community markets for joint delivery of cardiovascular disease prevention services in Kenya: an observational feasibility study of Health Kiosks in Markets (HEKIMA)
This study explored the feasibility of using Health Kiosks in Markets (HEKIMA) to improve access to cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention in Vihiga County, Kenya. Stakeholders identified priorities such as health promotion, partnerships, and quality services tailored to local needs. While healthcare centers and markets had governance and basic infrastructure, gaps like lack … [Read more...] about Readiness of primary healthcare and community markets for joint delivery of cardiovascular disease prevention services in Kenya: an observational feasibility study of Health Kiosks in Markets (HEKIMA)
NCD prevention and control in Kenya: feasibility study of health kiosks in markets “HEKIMA Study”
The HEKIMA project tested health kiosks in community markets, staffed by community health workers and supervised by nurses, to improve access to cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention in Vihiga County, Kenya. Over six months, 2,224 people, mostly women, used the kiosks for screenings and health promotion. Many had high blood pressure (48%), overweight (32%), or diabetes (12%). … [Read more...] about NCD prevention and control in Kenya: feasibility study of health kiosks in markets “HEKIMA Study”
Hypertensive myocardial disease screening in low-income settings using smartphone-based technologies: a prospective multicenter trial
A pilot study tested the use of a low-cost smartphone ECG device, D-Heart, combined with blood pressure monitoring for cardiovascular (CV) screening in rural Kenya, Senegal, and Uganda. Community health workers screened 950 patients, identifying CV issues such as hypertension and abnormal ECGs. Results showed 18% of patients needed hospital referrals, with common diagnoses … [Read more...] about Hypertensive myocardial disease screening in low-income settings using smartphone-based technologies: a prospective multicenter trial
“We are their eyes and ears here on the ground, yet they do not appreciate us”-Factors influencing the performance of Kenyan community health volunteers working in urban informal settlements
This study investigates the challenges faced by Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) in Nairobi's informal settlements and suggests ways to support them. It found that factors like recruitment, training, resources, and relationships with healthcare facilities affect CHV performance. Addressing these challenges requires adequate remuneration, comprehensive training, supportive … [Read more...] about “We are their eyes and ears here on the ground, yet they do not appreciate us”-Factors influencing the performance of Kenyan community health volunteers working in urban informal settlements