Maternal mortality in Malawi is high due to limited maternity care. To improve access, a mobile health (mHealth) app, YendaNafe, was introduced for community health workers (CHWs) in rural areas. This study compared maternal health services before and after using the app. Results showed an immediate 22% increase in facility-based births but no significant short-term impact on … [Read more...] about Impact of Mobile Health (mHealth) Use by Community Health Workers on the Utilization of Maternity Care in Rural Malawi: A Time Series Analysis
Malawi
Understanding Integrated Community Case Management Institutionalization Processes Within National Health Systems in Malawi, Mali, and Rwanda: A Qualitative Study
This study explored how Community Case Management (iCCM) for childhood illnesses is being integrated into national health systems in Malawi, Mali, and Rwanda. Through interviews with key informants, the study identified a process of institutionalizing iCCM in phases, from awareness to maturity. Four main factors—core values, leadership, resources, and policy—were found to drive … [Read more...] about Understanding Integrated Community Case Management Institutionalization Processes Within National Health Systems in Malawi, Mali, and Rwanda: A Qualitative Study
Documenting the Provision of Emergency Contraceptive Pills Through Youth-Serving Delivery Channels: Exploratory Mixed Methods Research on Malawi’s Emergency Contraception Strategy
Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) are effective and can be used safely, but they are underused, especially among youth. In 2020, Malawi's Ministry of Health developed a strategy to improve ECP access through public channels like youth clubs and community health workers (CHWs). A study in two rural districts found that ECP use increased, particularly among young people, with … [Read more...] about Documenting the Provision of Emergency Contraceptive Pills Through Youth-Serving Delivery Channels: Exploratory Mixed Methods Research on Malawi’s Emergency Contraception Strategy
Condom use increased after a peer group intervention implemented by community volunteers in Malawi
HIV prevention is crucial, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. This study developed an HIV prevention program called Mzake ndi Mzake (Friend to Friend), adapted for community implementation. The study evaluated if the program, led by community volunteers, increased condom use in rural Malawi. The program was rolled out in three communities, and effectiveness was assessed using … [Read more...] about Condom use increased after a peer group intervention implemented by community volunteers in Malawi
Experiences of community health workers on adopting mHealth in rural Malawi: A qualitative study
This qualitative study explored the experiences and factors affecting the use of a smartphone-based mHealth tool called YendaNafe by community health workers (CHWs) in rural Malawi. Through focus group discussions and interviews, CHWs reported that mHealth improved task efficiency, competence, trust, and professionalism. Factors influencing its use included relationships with … [Read more...] about Experiences of community health workers on adopting mHealth in rural Malawi: A qualitative study