CHW Central

A global resource for and about Community Health Workers

health systems

ASHA Workers During COVID-19 in India: At the Intersection of Gender and Work

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This study looks at the challenges faced by female community health workers (CHWs) in India, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. These women often juggle demanding health work with family responsibilities and face issues like low pay, poor training, lack of support, and gender inequality. Many were not given protective equipment during the pandemic, and some went unpaid. … [Read more...] about ASHA Workers During COVID-19 in India: At the Intersection of Gender and Work

Community health system capacities and capabilities within an evolving community health policy framework: mixed methods study of stakeholders in central Uganda

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This study assessed the community health system in Uganda to understand its readiness for a new government-led community health worker project. It involved interviews, focus group discussions, and surveys with community health workers (CHWs) and pregnant women. The findings showed that while governance of community health was generally strong, coordination among partners was … [Read more...] about Community health system capacities and capabilities within an evolving community health policy framework: mixed methods study of stakeholders in central Uganda

Community Health Workers in Nepal: A Systematic Review of Their Role in Health System Strengthening

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Community Health Workers (CHWs) play a key role in improving healthcare in rural Nepal, reducing death rates, and helping achieve health goals. This review analyzed eight studies and found that CHWs are mostly female volunteers, now taking on broader roles beyond maternal and child health. They are motivated by community service but face challenges like limited resources, … [Read more...] about Community Health Workers in Nepal: A Systematic Review of Their Role in Health System Strengthening

Estimating Mental Health Care Shortfalls between Patient’s Need and Health System Capacity A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Data from 144 Countries and Territories

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This study examined the gap between mental health service capacity and patient needs in 144 countries. Using data on population, healthcare workers, and mental disorder prevalence, the analysis showed most countries lacked sufficient resources to meet demand, especially under scenarios requiring frequent patient visits. Including physicians in mental health care improved … [Read more...] about Estimating Mental Health Care Shortfalls between Patient’s Need and Health System Capacity A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Data from 144 Countries and Territories

Understanding Integrated Community Case Management Institutionalization Processes Within National Health Systems in Malawi, Mali, and Rwanda: A Qualitative Study

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This study explored how Community Case Management (iCCM) for childhood illnesses is being integrated into national health systems in Malawi, Mali, and Rwanda. Through interviews with key informants, the study identified a process of institutionalizing iCCM in phases, from awareness to maturity. Four main factors—core values, leadership, resources, and policy—were found to drive … [Read more...] about Understanding Integrated Community Case Management Institutionalization Processes Within National Health Systems in Malawi, Mali, and Rwanda: A Qualitative Study