South Africa’s government is improving primary health care through a new plan supported by National Health Insurance (NHI), with Community Health Workers (CHWs) playing a key role. This article shares the views of 31 CHWs from an NHI pilot district and gives suggestions to improve the program. These include having clear team leaders, providing regular training, keeping records … [Read more...] about Moving Towards a South African NHI System of Excellence: Recommendations Based on the Insider Perspectives of CHWs as Key Role-Players
CHW Role
In depth exploration of drivers of community health workers’ performance in maternal and child health services: a multistakeholder perspective from rural Indian setting
This study looked at what affects how well community health workers (CHWs) in rural Central India do their jobs in maternal and child health. Interviews and group discussions with CHWs and their supervisors showed that their performance is shaped by three main factors: community context (like transport and local attitudes), health system issues (like irregular pay and lack of … [Read more...] about In depth exploration of drivers of community health workers’ performance in maternal and child health services: a multistakeholder perspective from rural Indian setting
Feasibility and acceptability of task sharing collection of HIV viral load dried blood spot samples with community lay cadres in Zimbabwe
This study looked at whether trained community volunteers (called Community Lay Cadres or CLCs) in Zimbabwe can collect HIV viral load blood samples as well as healthcare workers (HCWs). Blood samples were taken from 374 people—one by a HCW and one by a CLC. The results matched 96% of the time. Most CLCs collected the samples correctly, and both the CLCs and clients felt … [Read more...] about Feasibility and acceptability of task sharing collection of HIV viral load dried blood spot samples with community lay cadres in Zimbabwe
Building Community Networks and Engagement for Effective TB Case Management
Tuberculosis (TB) is still a major health issue, especially in low- and middle-income countries. This review looks at how involving communities can help improve TB care. It shows that community support helps with early detection, sticking to treatment, and managing the illness over time. Key approaches include using community health workers, involving different sectors, and … [Read more...] about Building Community Networks and Engagement for Effective TB Case Management
Feasibility of Vital Signs Assessment by Community Health Workers during Antenatal Care Community Outreach in Lusaka, Zambia: A Qualitative Study
This study looked at a new wearable device called neoSpot, used by community health workers to check vital signs of pregnant women during outreach in Lusaka, Zambia. Most women and health workers liked the device because it was fast, easy to use, and could measure many health signs at once. At first, some women were worried about using it, but those fears went away after … [Read more...] about Feasibility of Vital Signs Assessment by Community Health Workers during Antenatal Care Community Outreach in Lusaka, Zambia: A Qualitative Study