Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)

Prevalence of onchocerciasis and epilepsy in a Tanzanian region after a prolonged community-directed treatment with ivermectin

A study conducted in Mahenge, Tanzania, aimed to assess the prevalence of onchocerciasis and epilepsy after 25 years of ivermectin treatment. Community health workers (CHWs) played a key role by conducting door-to-door household surveys, screening individuals for epilepsy, and helping with onchocerciasis testing. The study found that 11.8% of children tested positive for … [Read more...] about Prevalence of onchocerciasis and epilepsy in a Tanzanian region after a prolonged community-directed treatment with ivermectin

This study compared the performance of community health workers (CHWs) in a refugee settlement in Uganda when paid in cash versus digital payments. The findings showed that CHWs performed better when paid in cash, as digital payments were often delayed and inconsistent, which affected their motivation. Factors like having a secondary education and side jobs were linked to … [Read more...] about Do cash or digital payment modalities affect community health worker performance? – a case study of a remote refugee settlement in Western Uganda

The Bukhali trial in Soweto, South Africa, is working with young women (18-28 years) to tackle obesity and micronutrient deficiencies, which affect health during pregnancy and can impact future generations. The program includes a dietitian who works with community health workers to offer nutritional support using the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) … [Read more...] about Integration of nutrition support using the FIGO nutrition checklist in the Bukhali trial: a dietitian’s perspective

This study assessed the impact of home-based health programs led by health extension workers on lowering blood pressure in rural northwest Ethiopia. In a trial with 456 participants from 20 communities, those receiving the health workers' intervention saw a greater reduction in blood pressure compared to those who did not. After 9 months, the intervention group had a 5 mm Hg … [Read more...] about Effect of health extension workers-led home-based multicomponent intervention on blood pressure reduction among hypertensive patients in rural districts of northwest Ethiopia: a cluster-randomised controlled trial

This study tested if community health workers (CHWs) could help control blood pressure (BP) among hypertensive patients in low-income areas of Kiambu County, Kenya. In a 6-month trial, 80 patients were randomly assigned to either a CHW home-based intervention group or a usual care group. CHWs provided monthly home visits with health education and lifestyle advice. Results … [Read more...] about Preliminary efficacy of a community health worker home based intervention for the control and management of hypertension in Kiambu County, Kenya- a randomized control trial