This article presents the findings of a project to promote exclusive breastfeeding in rural communities through the training of community health extension workers in rural Nigeria. The authors found that the training of extension health workers in rural communities is feasible, can have a beneficial impact on breastfeeding promotion, and that such training should be continued … [Read more...] about The Ife South Breastfeeding Project: training community health extension workers to promote and manage breastfeeding in rural communities
Maternal, Newborn and Child Health
The lady health worker program in Pakistan- a commentary
This short commentary discusses the Lady Health Worker (LHW) program in Pakistan. LHWs serve as an important link between community and health facilities, providing both preventative and curative care. However, additional improvements are suggested that could further facilitate a thriving program. These include: incentives for LHWs (improving salaries, timely contract renewals … [Read more...] about The lady health worker program in Pakistan- a commentary
Supervision of community peer counsellors for infant feeding in South Africa: an exploratory qualitative study
This paper reports on a qualitative study of the experiences of three CHW supervisors who were responsible for supporting infant feeding peer counselors in three diverse settings in South Africa. This study highlights the need to pay attention to the experiences of supervisors in order to better understand the components and complexities of supervision in the field. Such … [Read more...] about Supervision of community peer counsellors for infant feeding in South Africa: an exploratory qualitative study
Administration of misoprostol by trained traditional birth attendants to prevent postpartum haemorrhage in homebirths in Pakistan: a randomised placebo-controlled trial
This trial sought to determine if misoprostol is safe and efficacious in preventing postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) when administered by trained birth attendants (TBAs) at home deliveries. The authors found that the administration of misoprostol by trained TBAs at home deliveries reduced the rate of PPH by 24%. The authors note that continued training and skill building for TBAs, … [Read more...] about Administration of misoprostol by trained traditional birth attendants to prevent postpartum haemorrhage in homebirths in Pakistan: a randomised placebo-controlled trial
Factors Affecting Recruitment and Retention of Community Health Workers in a Newborn Care Intervention in Bangladesh
This study investigates reasons for high rates of CHW attrition in Sylhet District in northeastern Bangladesh. The framework presented in this paper illustrates the decision-making process women go through when deciding to become, or continue as, a CHW. Factors such as job satisfaction, community valuation of CHW work, and fulfillment of pre-hire expectations all need to be … [Read more...] about Factors Affecting Recruitment and Retention of Community Health Workers in a Newborn Care Intervention in Bangladesh