Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)

Expanding Community Health Worker decision space learning from a Participatory Action Research training intervention in a rural South African district

Community Health Workers (CHWs) in South Africa faced numerous challenges, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. A training intervention aimed to support CHWs in making local health decisions and assess its impact. The training equipped CHWs with skills to address community health concerns and fostered dialogue between CHWs and stakeholders. Despite systemic constraints like … [Read more...] about Expanding Community Health Worker decision space learning from a Participatory Action Research training intervention in a rural South African district

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant health challenge in Botswana, with Moshupa village experiencing particularly high rates. To address this, community-based interventions involving treatment supporters have been implemented. However, this study identifies several facilitators and barriers affecting the success and sustainability of these interventions.Facilitators include … [Read more...] about Potential facilitators and inhibitors to the implementation and sustainability of the community-based tuberculosis care interventions. A case study from Moshupa, Botswana

This study investigates the challenges faced by Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) in Nairobi's informal settlements and suggests ways to support them. It found that factors like recruitment, training, resources, and relationships with healthcare facilities affect CHV performance. Addressing these challenges requires adequate remuneration, comprehensive training, supportive … [Read more...] about “We are their eyes and ears here on the ground, yet they do not appreciate us”-Factors influencing the performance of Kenyan community health volunteers working in urban informal settlements

This study explored the experiences of community mental health workers, predominantly female, nurses, and doctors providing mental health services in Borama, Somaliland. Through focus group discussions, they identified challenges such as stigma, lack of resources, and the dominance of traditional healers. Despite obstacles, they found their work rewarding and crucial in … [Read more...] about “Helping Mentally Ill, a Reward Both in this Life and After”: A Qualitative Study Among Community Health Professionals in Somaliland

Community-based TB care in Gondar, Ethiopia, led by health extension workers (HEWs), has shown promise in early TB diagnosis, prevention, and improved treatment outcomes. This study explored how well the program was accepted and adopted within the community. HEWs' outreach efforts made the program more compatible with community needs, but challenges such as limited support, … [Read more...] about An evaluation of community acceptability and adoption of the community-based TB care program using the diffusion of innovation model