Despite progress towards universal health coverage, many rural communities lack access to healthcare. In Laos, community-based health programs aim to address this issue by involving lay health workers (LHWs) as CHWs. This study explored the challenges and opportunities for expanding these programs. Interviews with stakeholders revealed barriers such as geographic … [Read more...] about Prospects for the development of community-based care in remote rural areas: a stakeholder analysis in Laos
Asia
Expanding the roles of community health workers to sustain programmes during malaria elimination: a meeting report on operational research in Southeast Asia
Community health workers (CHWs), particularly village malaria workers (VMWs) in Cambodia, play a crucial role in improving healthcare in remote areas. As Cambodia aims for malaria elimination by 2025, sustaining the VMW network becomes vital. This study conducted from 2021 to 2023 explored enhancing VMWs' roles to include diagnosing and treating non-malarial illnesses. VMWs … [Read more...] about Expanding the roles of community health workers to sustain programmes during malaria elimination: a meeting report on operational research in Southeast Asia
Association between the use of Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) services and uptake of institutional deliveries in India
This study investigates the impact of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) on increasing institution-based deliveries in India, focusing on low-performing states. Analyzing National Family Health Survey data, the study reveals that women using ASHA services were 1.6 times more likely to have institution-based deliveries. The study emphasizes the effectiveness of ASHAs in … [Read more...] about Association between the use of Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) services and uptake of institutional deliveries in India
Opening up the ‘black-box’: what strategies do community mental health workers use to address the social dimensions of mental health?
This study investigates the strategies employed by community health workers (CHWs) collaborating with people with psychosocial disabilities in urban north India to address social dimensions of mental health. Through interviews with CHWs, the research reveals that CHWs possess social, cultural, and psychological skills, forming trusting relationships and exhibiting in-depth … [Read more...] about Opening up the ‘black-box’: what strategies do community mental health workers use to address the social dimensions of mental health?
Bangladesh: 50 Years of Advances in Health and Challenges Ahead
In this review, the authors discuss the recently published book, '50 Years of Bangladesh: Advances in Health', highlighting the positive strides the country has made in health and development since gaining independence in 1971. Initially the world's second poorest nation, Bangladesh has transformed into a lower-middle income country, showcasing a range of innovative approaches … [Read more...] about Bangladesh: 50 Years of Advances in Health and Challenges Ahead