CHW Central

A global resource for and about Community Health Workers

South Africa

Effectiveness and uptake of WhatsApp-based HIV microlearning for healthcare workers in remote South African clinics: a pragmatic, mixed-methods, cluster-randomised trial

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This study tested short HIV training lessons sent through WhatsApp to nurses and community health workers in South Africa. Most participants read the lessons quickly, and the training improved their knowledge and how they cared for patients. Patient care improved by 21% after the training. The approach was simple, well-received, and shows promise as an easy and low-cost way to … [Read more...] about Effectiveness and uptake of WhatsApp-based HIV microlearning for healthcare workers in remote South African clinics: a pragmatic, mixed-methods, cluster-randomised trial

Bringing Child Health Closer to Families: Lessons From a Family MUAC Intervention in Urban and Rural South Africa

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This study looked at a program in South Africa where community health workers taught mothers how to check their children for malnutrition using a simple arm measurement (MUAC). The program was more active in rural KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) than in urban Gauteng. Most trained mothers in KZN were able to measure correctly, while fewer did so in Gauteng. Only a small number of mothers … [Read more...] about Bringing Child Health Closer to Families: Lessons From a Family MUAC Intervention in Urban and Rural South Africa

Relationship of perinatal outcomes to the competence and quantity of contact with community health workers

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This study examined how community health worker (CHW) behaviors impact maternal and child health outcomes in a rural home visit program. CHWs were assigned to either a standard care group or an intervention group with improved monitoring and supervision. Results showed that consistent home visits took 9–12 months to establish, with fewer visits due to COVID-19. More visits were … [Read more...] about Relationship of perinatal outcomes to the competence and quantity of contact with community health workers

Community-based follow-up of very low birth weight neonates discharged from a regional hospital in Cape Town: a descriptive study

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Neonatal deaths remain a major concern in South Africa, with nearly half linked to prematurity. The Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) program supports very low birth weight (VLBW) babies through community health worker visits. This study examined VLBW infants discharged from a regional hospital, their follow-up care, health outcomes, and caregiver experiences. Among 169 … [Read more...] about Community-based follow-up of very low birth weight neonates discharged from a regional hospital in Cape Town: a descriptive study

Brief Report: Preferences and Acceptability in Methods of Tenofovir Diphosphate in Dried Blood Spots Collection and Feedback in a Cohort of PLWH in Cape Town South Africa

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Monitoring HIV treatment adherence using dried blood spots (DBS) is highly acceptable among people living with HIV in South Africa. In a study of 224 participants, 99% supported DBS testing, and 96% found it helpful. Most preferred clinic staff to collect samples (79.5%), while fewer were comfortable with community health workers (26.1%) or pharmacists (37.0%). Over half (52%) … [Read more...] about Brief Report: Preferences and Acceptability in Methods of Tenofovir Diphosphate in Dried Blood Spots Collection and Feedback in a Cohort of PLWH in Cape Town South Africa