Postpartum depression (PPD) affects mothers' health, bonding with their babies, and child development. This review examined studies on PPD in South Asia and found 20 studies from only four countries: Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Many used community health workers to deliver culturally adapted mental health support. Some studies showed improved maternal mental health … [Read more...] about Interventions to address postpartum depression in South Asian countries: a scoping review
Pakistan
Engage less, provide more: Community health workers’ perspectives on how to overcome opposition to polio vaccination in Pakistan
In Pakistan’s highest-risk areas for polio, vaccine refusal is common due to frequent visits, fear of surveillance, and unmet basic needs. This study gathered insights from frontline polio workers on improving community engagement. Many households felt ignored by government services and refused vaccines to highlight other urgent needs. Polio workers suggested reducing visits … [Read more...] about Engage less, provide more: Community health workers’ perspectives on how to overcome opposition to polio vaccination in Pakistan
A Digital Tool (Technology-Assisted Problem Management Plus) for Lay Health Workers to Address Common Mental Health Disorders: Co-production and Usability Study in Pakistan
A digital mental health tool, Technology-Assisted Problem Management Plus (TA-PM+), was developed to help lady health workers (LHWs) in Pakistan support women with common mental health disorders. The process involved reviewing evidence, consulting stakeholders, and testing usability in both lab and community settings. Challenges included low digital skills, high workloads, and … [Read more...] about A Digital Tool (Technology-Assisted Problem Management Plus) for Lay Health Workers to Address Common Mental Health Disorders: Co-production and Usability Study in Pakistan
Association of clinical signs of possible serious bacterial infections identified by community health workers with mortality of young infants in South Asia: a prospective, observational cohort study
This study aimed to understand how certain signs in young infants, like poor feeding or lack of movement, can predict the risk of death. Community health workers (CHWs) in Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan visited infants regularly to check for these signs. The study found that signs like no movement, poor feeding, and low body temperature were strongly linked to a higher risk of … [Read more...] about Association of clinical signs of possible serious bacterial infections identified by community health workers with mortality of young infants in South Asia: a prospective, observational cohort study
A qualitative study assessing acceptability and appropriateness of a technology-assisted mental health intervention by community frontline workers: mPareshan implementation research in rural Pakistan
In rural Pakistan, where mental health specialists are scarce, a mobile app-based mental health program called mPareshan was tested with Lady Health Workers (LHWs). The study found that using LHWs to deliver mental health support is feasible, acceptable, and appropriate. Communities trusted LHWs for this role, and their familiarity with smartphones made the program easier to … [Read more...] about A qualitative study assessing acceptability and appropriateness of a technology-assisted mental health intervention by community frontline workers: mPareshan implementation research in rural Pakistan