This study in South Africa tested whether trained lay health workers could help find more tuberculosis (TB) cases in hospitals by doing regular screening and using better testing tools. Compared to the year before, the number of patients diagnosed with TB doubled (from 7.5% to 15%) and fewer people died in the hospital. The results show that using lay health workers for TB … [Read more...] about Enhancing tuberculosis (TB) case detection among hospitalized patients through lay health worker led screening: a before-and-after study in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
South Africa
A qualitative study to explore mother’s experiences of a family MUAC project in two provinces in South Africa
This study explored how mothers and caregivers felt about the Family MUAC program in South Africa, which trained them to measure their child's nutrition. Mothers appreciated the support from community health workers (CHWs), who were seen as caring and helpful. At first, measuring MUAC was challenging, but with CHW guidance, mothers became more confident. The program helped … [Read more...] about A qualitative study to explore mother’s experiences of a family MUAC project in two provinces in 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
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
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
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