Non-communicable diseases (NCD) and infectious chronic illnesses are recognised as significant contributing factors to the burden of disease globally, specifically in South Africa, yet clinical management is often poor. The involvement of community health workers (CHWs) in TB and HIV care in South Africa, and other low- and middle-income settings, suggests that they could make … [Read more...] about A rapid assessment of a community health worker pilot programme to improve the management of hypertension and diabetes in Emfuleni sub-district of Gauteng Province, South Africa.
South Africa
Outreach services to improve access to health care in South Africa: lessons from three community health worker programmes
This article examines three South African community health worker programs, a small local non-governmental organisation, a local satellite of a national NGO, and a government-initiated service, that provide a range of services from home-based care, childcare, and health promotion to assist clients in overcoming poverty-related barriers to health care to identify factors that … [Read more...] about Outreach services to improve access to health care in South Africa: lessons from three community health worker programmes
Patient- and delivery-level factors related to acceptance of HIV counseling and testing services among tuberculosis patients in South Africa: a qualitative study with community health workers and program managers.
South Africa has a high tuberculosis (TB)-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection rate of 73%, yet only 46% of TB patients are tested for HIV. To date, relatively little work has focused on understanding why TB patients may not accept effective services or participate in programs that are readily available in healthcare delivery systems. The objective of the study was to … [Read more...] about Patient- and delivery-level factors related to acceptance of HIV counseling and testing services among tuberculosis patients in South Africa: a qualitative study with community health workers and program managers.
The Impact of Paraprofessional versus Volunteer-Driven Home Visiting Programs on the Wellbeing of Orphans and Vulnerable Children: Evidence from a Longitudinal Evaluation in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
This brief describes the findings and program implications from a study designed to develop critical knowledge on “what works” to improve the well-being of children affected by HIV and AIDS. Community-based home visiting, in which care workers provide a range of support services during regular visits to the child’s home, is an increasingly popular service delivery … [Read more...] about The Impact of Paraprofessional versus Volunteer-Driven Home Visiting Programs on the Wellbeing of Orphans and Vulnerable Children: Evidence from a Longitudinal Evaluation in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Improving Breast Cancer Control via the Use of Community Health Workers in South Africa: A Critical Review
Breast cancer is a growing concern in low- and middle-income countries (LMCs). We explore community health worker (CHW) programs and describe their potential use in LMCs. We use South Africa as an example of how CHWs could improve access to breast health care because of its middle-income status, existing cancer centers, and history of CHW programs. CHWs could assume three main … [Read more...] about Improving Breast Cancer Control via the Use of Community Health Workers in South Africa: A Critical Review