This article presents insights from Project RISE, which combines human-centered design and social science research to understand and improve the performance of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) in Bihar, India. Through a complex systems approach, the project identified motivations and challenges of ASHAs and developed context-specific solutions. The interdisciplinary … [Read more...] about Integrating Human-Centered Design and Social Science Research to Improve Service-Delivery and Empower Community Health Workers: Lessons from Project RISE
CHW programs
Mobilisation towards formal employment in the healthcare system A qualitative study of community health workers in South Africa
This study examined the working conditions of Community Health Workers (CHWs) in South Africa and their efforts to improve their situation. CHWs faced challenges like low pay and lack of resources. In semi-urban areas, they formed a task team and joined a union to negotiate for better conditions, leading to a pay increase. Rural CHWs faced obstacles in organizing due to fear of … [Read more...] about Mobilisation towards formal employment in the healthcare system A qualitative study of community health workers in South Africa
Mixed method evaluation of a learning from excellence programme for community health workers in Neno, Malawi
This study evaluated the "Learning from Excellence" (LfE) program's impact on Community Health Workers (CHWs) in Neno District, Malawi. The LfE program aimed to improve CHW motivation and performance through recognition of excellence. While the program was well-received and encouraged hard work among CHWs, there were no statistically significant improvements in motivation or … [Read more...] about Mixed method evaluation of a learning from excellence programme for community health workers in Neno, Malawi
A systematic review of the types, workload, and supervision mechanism of community health workers: lessons learned for Indonesia
This systematic review examines the performance of Community Health Workers (CHWs) in delivering public health services in various countries, with a focus on workload and supervision. Sixty articles were analyzed, revealing that CHWs undertake diverse roles across the human life cycle and face challenges such as heavy workloads and inadequate supervision. Effective planning, … [Read more...] about A systematic review of the types, workload, and supervision mechanism of community health workers: lessons learned for Indonesia
‘Our hands are bound’:Pathways to Community Health labor in Kenya
The traditional model for selecting Community Health Workers (CHWs) involves electing a willing, trusted, educated community member. However, this ideal is rarely practiced. Through life history interviews with CHWs in Isiolo, Kenya, five predominant pathways to community health work were identified: model, handpicked, shadow, outsider, and dispossession. Each pathway, … [Read more...] about ‘Our hands are bound’:Pathways to Community Health labor in Kenya