This study examined leprosy in a low-endemic area in southern Brazil before and after implementing an active case-finding strategy. The study compared passive detection from 2014-2020 with an active search strategy from January 2021 to August 2023 in Caçador, Santa Catarina, where community health workers used the Leprosy Suspicion Questionnaire (LSQ) screening tool. Of the 48 … [Read more...] about Hidden leprosy in a low-endemic area in southern Brazil: changes in endemicity following an active search
Evaluation
The Investment Case for Strengthening Primary Healthcare and Community Health Worker Programs in Low- and Lower-Middle-Income Countries
Universal health coverage is achievable for even the poorest countries if they focus on expanding their primary healthcare (PHC) systems, which includes strong community outreach. Investing in PHC is cost-effective and can save millions of lives each year. However, many low- and middle-income countries prioritize funding for hospitals and specialized care over PHC, leading to … [Read more...] about The Investment Case for Strengthening Primary Healthcare and Community Health Worker Programs in Low- and Lower-Middle-Income Countries
Treatment of moderate acute malnutrition through community health volunteers is a cost-effective intervention: Evidence from a resource-limited setting
This study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of treating moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) by integrating community health volunteers (CHVs) into routine community case management (iCCM). The researchers compared the costs and outcomes of the integrated approach, which included CHV sites and health facilities, to standard facility-based treatment alone. The integrated strategy … [Read more...] about Treatment of moderate acute malnutrition through community health volunteers is a cost-effective intervention: Evidence from a resource-limited setting
Enhancing the capacity of community health workers in prevention and control of epidemics and pandemics in Wakiso district, Uganda: evaluation of a pilot project
Community Health Workers (CHWs) are vital in managing outbreaks through tasks like health education and contact tracing. A pilot project trained 766 Community Health Workers (CHWs) in Wakiso district, Uganda, on epidemic and pandemic preparedness, including COVID-19. A year later, an evaluation revealed that the training improved CHWs' knowledge and skills in managing … [Read more...] about Enhancing the capacity of community health workers in prevention and control of epidemics and pandemics in Wakiso district, Uganda: evaluation of a pilot project
Understanding Perceptions of Care Coordination and Chronic Illness Management among Black Breast and Prostate Cancer Survivors and Providers: Findings from a Quality Improvement Study
Navigating cancer care is complex, especially for patients with additional chronic conditions managed by multiple providers. In this quality improvement study, we assessed the impact of community health worker (CHW) and mHealth support on care coordination and navigation for Black breast and prostate cancer patients with hypertension and/or diabetes. Surveys from patients and … [Read more...] about Understanding Perceptions of Care Coordination and Chronic Illness Management among Black Breast and Prostate Cancer Survivors and Providers: Findings from a Quality Improvement Study