CHW Central

A global resource for and about Community Health Workers

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)

Optimizing community health workers and nonbiomedical approaches to assess the burden of soil-transmitted helminthiasis in a school-aged population in rural Rwanda

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This study explored whether community health workers in rural Rwanda could use a simple checklist to spot children who might have worm infections. CHWs screened 746 students and referred many for treatment or gave deworming medicine at school. Children who had regular CHW follow-up and those who didn’t walk barefoot were less likely to show symptoms. The results suggest that … [Read more...] about Optimizing community health workers and nonbiomedical approaches to assess the burden of soil-transmitted helminthiasis in a school-aged population in rural Rwanda

How Effective are Community Health Workers in Managing and Preventing Perinatal Depression in Sub-Saharan Africa? A Systematic Review of Quantitative Evidence

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This review looked at whether community health workers can help prevent and manage depression during and after pregnancy in sub-Saharan Africa. Sixteen studies showed that CHW-led support programs consistently lowered the risk of depressed mood in the first year after birth, with benefits starting early and lasting up to 12 months. For women already showing moderate symptoms, … [Read more...] about How Effective are Community Health Workers in Managing and Preventing Perinatal Depression in Sub-Saharan Africa? A Systematic Review of Quantitative Evidence

Strengthening Vaccine Uptake: A Qualitative Assessment of Community Health Worker Educational Resource Needs and Community Perspectives on Vaccination in Western Kenya

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This study explored what community health workers in Migori County need to effectively teach families about the malaria vaccine, and whether digital tools could support their training. CHWs preferred in-person sessions with visual aids, though some were open to digital learning. Limited digital skills, language barriers, phone access, and costs made digital training difficult. … [Read more...] about Strengthening Vaccine Uptake: A Qualitative Assessment of Community Health Worker Educational Resource Needs and Community Perspectives on Vaccination in Western Kenya

Preset Hearing Aid Program Selection in Low-Income Communities: A Longitudinal Study

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This study looked at using preset hearing aids delivered by community health workers (CHWs) in low-income South African communities. Adults with moderate-to-severe hearing loss could choose from four preset programs. Most participants changed their program at least once over six months, and many choices didn’t match clinical recommendations. The findings show CHWs can help … [Read more...] about Preset Hearing Aid Program Selection in Low-Income Communities: A Longitudinal Study

“We might have been prescribing antibiotics to clients who do not need them”: a mixed-methods study of knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to antibiotic use for pediatric acute respiratory illness among community health workers in Uganda

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This mixed-methods study in rural Uganda assessed Community Health Workers' (CHWs) practices regarding antibiotic use for pediatric Acute Respiratory Illness (ARI). While CHWs were knowledgeable about antibiotics, they recognized that the standard ICCM diagnostic algorithm relying on breathing rate likely contributes to overuse. Training on an enhanced ICCM  algorithm (STAR … [Read more...] about “We might have been prescribing antibiotics to clients who do not need them”: a mixed-methods study of knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to antibiotic use for pediatric acute respiratory illness among community health workers in Uganda