Malaria remains a significant health challenge, especially in Africa where the majority of cases and deaths occur, predominantly affecting children under 5. WHO recommends prompt diagnosis before treatment, and Kenya has adopted a Test and Treat policy, extending testing through community health workers (CHWs). However, many in rural areas still self-treat or seek care in the … [Read more...] about Supply-side and demand-side factors influencing uptake of malaria testing services in the community: lessons for scale-up from a post-hoc analysis of a cluster randomised, community-based trial in western Kenya
Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)
Promptness in seeking treatment from Village Health workers for children under five years with malaria, diarrhea and pneumonia in rural southwestern Uganda
In rural southwestern Uganda, Village Health Workers (VHWs) offer treatment for childhood illnesses like malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhea through the integrated community case management (iCCM) strategy. This study focused on the promptness of seeking treatment from VHWs for children under five with these illnesses. Results showed that 64% of children sought treatment promptly, … [Read more...] about Promptness in seeking treatment from Village Health workers for children under five years with malaria, diarrhea and pneumonia in rural southwestern Uganda
‘Our hands are bound’:Pathways to Community Health labor in Kenya
The traditional model for selecting Community Health Workers (CHWs) involves electing a willing, trusted, educated community member. However, this ideal is rarely practiced. Through life history interviews with CHWs in Isiolo, Kenya, five predominant pathways to community health work were identified: model, handpicked, shadow, outsider, and dispossession. Each pathway, … [Read more...] about ‘Our hands are bound’:Pathways to Community Health labor in Kenya
The importance of community health workers as frontline responders during the COVID-19 pandemic, Somalia, 2020-2021
In the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, Somalia faced challenges in responding due to a fragile health system. This study highlights the crucial role of community health workers as frontline responders for community-based surveillance. Over 30% of detected COVID-19 cases were identified through community based surveillance systems, and community health workers … [Read more...] about The importance of community health workers as frontline responders during the COVID-19 pandemic, Somalia, 2020-2021
Are populations of postpartum women differentially served by community health worker programs an observational cohort study from Zanzibar, Tanzania
This research examines disparities in the implementation of a community health worker (CHW)-led maternal health intervention in Zanzibar, Tanzania. It focuses on whether certain groups of pregnant women receive the intended postpartum intervention equally. Findings suggest that women with higher parity, unknown HIV status, and those receiving phone consultations experience … [Read more...] about Are populations of postpartum women differentially served by community health worker programs an observational cohort study from Zanzibar, Tanzania