CHW Central

A global resource for and about Community Health Workers

Malawi

Documenting the Provision of Emergency Contraceptive Pills Through Youth-Serving Delivery Channels: Exploratory Mixed Methods Research on Malawi’s Emergency Contraception Strategy

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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

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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

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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

Mixed method evaluation of a learning from excellence programme for community health workers in Neno, Malawi

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This study evaluated the "Learning from Excellence" (LfE) program's impact on Community Health Workers (CHWs) in Neno District, Malawi. The LfE program aimed to improve CHW motivation and performance through recognition of excellence. While the program was well-received and encouraged hard work among CHWs, there were no statistically significant improvements in motivation or … [Read more...] about Mixed method evaluation of a learning from excellence programme for community health workers in Neno, Malawi

Building Local Capacity in a Low-Resource Setting to Increase Access to Health Care: An Evaluation of Blood Pressure Monitoring Training

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This study evaluated the effectiveness of training Community Health Workers (CHWs) in home-based blood pressure (BP) monitoring in Malawi. Results showed improved knowledge and skills among CHWs after training, with accurate referral decisions for patients with hypertension. Despite challenges like transportation and equipment shortages, CHWs were able to provide BP monitoring … [Read more...] about Building Local Capacity in a Low-Resource Setting to Increase Access to Health Care: An Evaluation of Blood Pressure Monitoring Training