Severe malnutrition is a big health problem for young children in sub-Saharan Africa. This study in Burkina Faso looked at whether using a simple arm measurement (MUAC) by community health workers to find and refer malnourished children for treatment helped improve their health or reduced deaths. Among over 65,000 children screened, only a small number were referred. The … [Read more...] about Effectiveness of mass screening for severe acute malnutrition using mid-upper arm circumference: a prospective regression discontinuity design
CHW Role
Effectiveness of a breast cancer screening program among non-adherent women in Puerto Rico: A community-based participatory research effort of the Puerto Rico CEAL Community Outreach and Engagement Group
Breast cancer is a major health issue for women in Puerto Rico. This study tested whether community health workers (CHWs) could help more women get breast cancer screenings. From December 2023 to June 2024, women aged 50–74 who were overdue for a mammogram were given either information about cancer screening or general health advice. CHWs followed up to see if the women … [Read more...] about Effectiveness of a breast cancer screening program among non-adherent women in Puerto Rico: A community-based participatory research effort of the Puerto Rico CEAL Community Outreach and Engagement Group
Community Healthcare Providers’ Perspective on Malaria Control in Difficult Terrains (DAMaN) in Odisha, India
Malaria is still a big health problem in remote parts of India. The DAMaN program in Odisha fights malaria by testing and treating whole communities, especially in tribal areas. This study asked 53 local community health workers about their views. They said DAMaN helped reduce malaria and made healthcare more available in hard-to-reach places. It also built trust in public … [Read more...] about Community Healthcare Providers’ Perspective on Malaria Control in Difficult Terrains (DAMaN) in Odisha, India
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 Workers: Bridge to Pediatric Mental Health Equity
Youth mental health in the U.S. is in crisis, with many children facing emotional challenges made worse by social issues like poverty, discrimination, trauma, and lack of support. These problems, known as social determinants of mental health, affect how kids grow, learn, and live. The COVID-19 pandemic made things worse by increasing stress, loneliness, and fear. Children … [Read more...] about Community Health Workers: Bridge to Pediatric Mental Health Equity