This study looked at how large-scale community health worker (CHW) programs affect health services in urban South Africa. Over nine years, clinics with strong CHW coverage were compared to those with little or no CHW involvement. Both improved, but clinics with CHWs saw bigger gains in areas like child health, HIV and TB testing, nutrition, and cervical cancer screening. The … [Read more...] about Contributions of a community health worker program in improving district health system performance in South Africa, using routine health service variables in a quasi-experimental study design
health systems
Urban community health workers in Punjab, India: A qualitative study of ASHAs’ roles in the health system
The ASHA program in India is the world’s largest all-female community health worker initiative, but little is known about how ASHAs work in cities. This study explored the roles and challenges of urban ASHAs in Punjab through interviews, focus groups, and observation. Urban ASHAs play a key role in connecting vulnerable communities to healthcare, but they face major challenges … [Read more...] about Urban community health workers in Punjab, India: A qualitative study of ASHAs’ roles in the health system
Improving Community Health Program: Perspective of Community Health Workers in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
This study explored what community health workers (CHWs) in Buffalo City, South Africa, need to do their jobs better. Through interviews and focus groups with 23 CHWs, they suggested support such as transport, regular training, better communication tools, work IDs for recognition, and more resources to reduce heavy workloads. They also stressed the need for permanent, paid jobs … [Read more...] about Improving Community Health Program: Perspective of Community Health Workers in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
Improving healthcare equity through community health worker employment in an integrated health system
This project looked at whether hiring Community Health Workers (CHWs) in three geriatric clinics could help address older patients’ social needs. Reviewing patient records showed common issues like lack of dental care and transportation. A strengths and weaknesses review found that while the clinics focus on patient care, they face challenges like limited resources and poor … [Read more...] about Improving healthcare equity through community health worker employment in an integrated health system
Imagining the work of community health workers: notes for a discussion on territory, health and care
This essay reflects on how place (territory), health, and care are connected by looking at the work of community health agents. It explores how health services are organized, how care is often medicalized, and how CHWs help manage cultural meanings in health care. The authors argue that both territory and care are dynamic and shaped by social relationships, not just medical … [Read more...] about Imagining the work of community health workers: notes for a discussion on territory, health and care