This review looked at studies from 25 countries to see if community health worker (CHW) programs are cost-effective in primary health care. Most of the 50 studies focused on specific diseases like maternal and child health, diabetes, tuberculosis, heart disease, mental health, and HIV. About 70% found that CHW programs were cost-effective, showing their value in both low- and … [Read more...] about The cost-effectiveness of community health workers in primary health care: a systematic review
Primary Health Care
Synthesising key findings from Indonesia’s first civil society-led forum on primary health care: PHC forum, Jakarta, 13-14 November 2023
The 2023 PHC Forum in Jakarta brought together 783 participants from around the world to discuss how to strengthen primary health care (PHC) and improve health equity. Key themes included investing in PHC to achieve universal health coverage, empowering communities as active partners, supporting community health workers with fair pay and conditions, increasing funding, using … [Read more...] about Synthesising key findings from Indonesia’s first civil society-led forum on primary health care: PHC forum, Jakarta, 13-14 November 2023
Examining the Implementation Experience of Primary Health Care Networks (PCNs) in Kenya: A Qualitative Study
Kenya introduced Primary Health Care Networks (PCNs) to improve basic health services. This study looked at how well the PCNs are being used in five counties. While the idea had strong support from both experts and leaders, putting it into practice faced several challenges. Key parts of the program, like forming health teams and using digital tools, were not fully carried out. … [Read more...] about Examining the Implementation Experience of Primary Health Care Networks (PCNs) in Kenya: A Qualitative Study
Community Health Worker Requirements to Accelerate Progress Towards Universal Health Coverage in Africa: An Overview of Contemporary Estimates and Implications of Full-Time Versus Part-Time Working Arrangements
Community health workers are essential for achieving universal health coverage and reducing health inequalities by providing key healthcare services. African leaders aim to expand this workforce, but there is uncertainty about how many are needed. Estimates suggest that depending on their working hours, the number of community health workers required ranges from 11.2 to 59.5 … [Read more...] about Community Health Worker Requirements to Accelerate Progress Towards Universal Health Coverage in Africa: An Overview of Contemporary Estimates and Implications of Full-Time Versus Part-Time Working Arrangements
National Primary Care Policy (2017) and the roles of community health workers
This study examines the new roles of community health workers (CHWs) as outlined in Brazil's 2017 National Primary Care Policy, from the viewpoints of nurses and CHWs. Interviews were conducted between 2021 and 2022. Some professionals believe the new roles give CHWs more autonomy and recognition, while others worry it could reduce the uniqueness of their work or lead to … [Read more...] about National Primary Care Policy (2017) and the roles of community health workers