This study compared how community health workers (CHWs) are used in countries like Brazil and South Africa with their roles in several European nations. It found that while Europe has similar community-based roles, they are not well integrated into health systems. Countries that link these roles to broader health reforms and social care show the most promise, but few do this … [Read more...] about Community health workers: a comparative assessment of capacities of a global policy approach in selected European health systems
health systems
Community health worker contributions to climate resilient health systems: A qualitative study of how community health workers navigate extreme weather events in the Philippines
This study looked at how community health workers (CHWs) in the Philippines experience and respond to extreme weather events. Interviews with 51 CHWs showed that their community and household roles influence how they prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. Many saw chances to play a stronger role in helping their communities but needed more training and resources. … [Read more...] about Community health worker contributions to climate resilient health systems: A qualitative study of how community health workers navigate extreme weather events in the Philippines
Contributions of a community health worker program in improving district health system performance in South Africa, using routine health service variables in a quasi-experimental study design
This study looked at how large-scale community health worker (CHW) programs affect health services in urban South Africa. Over nine years, clinics with strong CHW coverage were compared to those with little or no CHW involvement. Both improved, but clinics with CHWs saw bigger gains in areas like child health, HIV and TB testing, nutrition, and cervical cancer screening. The … [Read more...] about Contributions of a community health worker program in improving district health system performance in South Africa, using routine health service variables in a quasi-experimental study design
Urban community health workers in Punjab, India: A qualitative study of ASHAs’ roles in the health system
The ASHA program in India is the world’s largest all-female community health worker initiative, but little is known about how ASHAs work in cities. This study explored the roles and challenges of urban ASHAs in Punjab through interviews, focus groups, and observation. Urban ASHAs play a key role in connecting vulnerable communities to healthcare, but they face major challenges … [Read more...] about Urban community health workers in Punjab, India: A qualitative study of ASHAs’ roles in the health system
Improving Community Health Program: Perspective of Community Health Workers in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
This study explored what community health workers (CHWs) in Buffalo City, South Africa, need to do their jobs better. Through interviews and focus groups with 23 CHWs, they suggested support such as transport, regular training, better communication tools, work IDs for recognition, and more resources to reduce heavy workloads. They also stressed the need for permanent, paid jobs … [Read more...] about Improving Community Health Program: Perspective of Community Health Workers in the Eastern Cape, South Africa