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Systems support for task-shifting to community health workers

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This paper outlines the importance of a systems approach when task shifting to CHWs, arguing that it cannot work unless close attention is paid to both the systems that support successful implementation and to needed expansion of human resources within the overall health care system. The paper incorporates discussion on taking a systems approach; the planning and regulatory … [Read more...] about Systems support for task-shifting to community health workers

Iranian health houses open the door to primary care

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This article reviews Iran’s “Health Houses,” which were conceived and introduced during the country’s 1980-1988 war with Iraq. The health houses are run by trained CHWs, called behvarzan, who provide basic health care to most of the country's rural population. Female behvarz are typically responsible for child and maternal health, vaccinations, registration and administering … [Read more...] about Iranian health houses open the door to primary care

On the front line of primary health care: the profile of community health workers in rural Quechua communities in Peru

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This article profiles CHWs, including health promoters, traditional birth attendants and traditional healers, serving rural Quechua communities from Ayacucho, Peru. It uses both quantitative and qualitative information from questionnaires, personal interviews and group discussions conducted in 40 communities. The majority of CHWs in Ayacucho are men with limited education who … [Read more...] about On the front line of primary health care: the profile of community health workers in rural Quechua communities in Peru

Rural Primary Health Care in Iran

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The South African Academy of Family Practice's Rural Health Initiative journal details their delegation's visit and observation of the rural primary health care network in Iran. They examined in particular the roles of different workers in the Iranian system and the health houses that are staffed by CHWs, known locally as, Behvarz. The health houses are responsible for: … [Read more...] about Rural Primary Health Care in Iran