CHW Central

A global resource for and about Community Health Workers

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)

Optimizing integration of community-based management of possible serious bacterial infection (PSBI) in young infants into primary healthcare systems in Ethiopia and Kenya: successes and challenges

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Ethiopian Health Extension Workers (HEWs) and Kenyan Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) play key roles in implementing community-based treatment for serious newborn infections (PSBI) within their health systems. From November 2020 to August 2021, both countries conducted research to improve PSBI management during COVID-19, employing strategies like coaching for health workers … [Read more...] about Optimizing integration of community-based management of possible serious bacterial infection (PSBI) in young infants into primary healthcare systems in Ethiopia and Kenya: successes and challenges

Management of children with danger signs in integrated community case management care in rural southwestern Uganda (2014–2018)

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Community health workers (CHWs) play a vital role in identifying and referring children under 5 with danger signs for prompt medical care in rural areas. This study in Bugoye sub-county, Uganda, found that most children with danger signs were appropriately referred according to iCCM protocols. However, there's a need for continuous CHW training to ensure consistent referral … [Read more...] about Management of children with danger signs in integrated community case management care in rural southwestern Uganda (2014–2018)

Motivational interviewing experiences from a community health worker-led HIV prevention and care intervention in rural Uganda: a qualitative study

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This study explores the use of Motivational Interviewing (MI) by Community Health Workers (CHWs) to improve HIV outcomes in a rural Ugandan fishing community. Through in-depth interviews, CHWs and clients described positive experiences with MI-informed counseling, highlighting specific MI strategies and collaborative, non-judgmental relationships. The findings suggest that … [Read more...] about Motivational interviewing experiences from a community health worker-led HIV prevention and care intervention in rural Uganda: a qualitative study

The role of community health workers in COVID-19 home-based care: Lessons learned from Rwanda

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Rwanda faced significant challenges in managing the COVID-19 pandemic, including strain on healthcare systems, lack of infrastructure, and disruptions to routine services. To address these issues, Rwanda introduced a home-based care model in September 2020, which involved training community health workers (CHWs) to manage mild COVID-19 cases and support pandemic response … [Read more...] about The role of community health workers in COVID-19 home-based care: Lessons learned from Rwanda

Building Local Capacity in a Low-Resource Setting to Increase Access to Health Care: An Evaluation of Blood Pressure Monitoring Training

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This study evaluated the effectiveness of training Community Health Workers (CHWs) in home-based blood pressure (BP) monitoring in Malawi. Results showed improved knowledge and skills among CHWs after training, with accurate referral decisions for patients with hypertension. Despite challenges like transportation and equipment shortages, CHWs were able to provide BP monitoring … [Read more...] about Building Local Capacity in a Low-Resource Setting to Increase Access to Health Care: An Evaluation of Blood Pressure Monitoring Training