This report summarizes six guiding principles and lessons learned that emerged from the work of an MOH/BASICS team developing a community-based IMCI program in Madagascar. The principles elaborated for streamlining community-based programs are: 1. Action-based messages; 2. Easy-to-use front-line teaching tools; 3. Short skill-based trainings; 4. Engaging large numbers of … [Read more...] about Six Guiding Principles of Streamlining Community-based Programs
Training
Assessment of the Training of the First Intake of Health Extension Workers
This study assessed the first year of Ethiopia’s Health Extension Worker (HEW) training program, a central component of the Health Extension Program's (HEP). The authors used a questionnaire and observations on the training program’s inputs, processes, and outputs. They found that the training centers lacked adequate facilities for the HEW trainees and the selection and … [Read more...] about Assessment of the Training of the First Intake of Health Extension Workers
Moving Towards Best Practice: Documenting and Learning from Existing Community Health/Care Worker Programmes
This study sought to identify best practices in deployment of community health and care workers (CHWs and CCWs). Studies conducted in each of South Africa’s 9 provinces assessed the extent to which CHW deployment has addressed important health priorities; documented success stories and lessons; and developed an understanding of the range of ways that CHW programs have evolved … [Read more...] about Moving Towards Best Practice: Documenting and Learning from Existing Community Health/Care Worker Programmes
On the front line of primary health care: the profile of community health workers in rural Quechua communities in Peru
This article profiles CHWs, including health promoters, traditional birth attendants and traditional healers, serving rural Quechua communities from Ayacucho, Peru. It uses both quantitative and qualitative information from questionnaires, personal interviews and group discussions conducted in 40 communities. The majority of CHWs in Ayacucho are men with limited education who … [Read more...] about On the front line of primary health care: the profile of community health workers in rural Quechua communities in Peru
Job stress among community health workers: a multi-method study from Pakistan
This multi-method study investigated Lady Health Workers' (LHWs) viewpoints on their job description, the problems they face and the levels of stress they encounter. All LHWs in one rural sub-district in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, were surveyed. Around a quarter of LHWs were found to have significant occupational stress. The authors conclude that improvements in remuneration, … [Read more...] about Job stress among community health workers: a multi-method study from Pakistan