Asia

Power, surveillance, and the limits of resistance: The role of community health workers in India’s health system

This study looked at the working conditions of community health workers in India and how the health system relies on them. It found that these workers often have many responsibilities but little power, face low and unstable pay, and are closely monitored. These conditions limit their ability to make decisions or push back, even as they play a key role in keeping the health … [Read more...] about Power, surveillance, and the limits of resistance: The role of community health workers in India’s health system

This study looked at how contact with community health workers affects women’s use of family planning methods in India. It found that when women talk with community health workers, they are more likely to use both traditional and modern methods, switch between methods, and use them more consistently. The study shows that community health workers play an important role in … [Read more...] about Traditional or Modern Contraception? Association Between Health Worker Contact and Contraceptive Choice in India: Findings From NFHS 2019-2021

This study looked at whether training community health volunteers in a remote island in Thailand could improve their ability to respond to emergencies and coordinate patient transport. After the training, their knowledge, skills, and confidence improved significantly and stayed high over time. The study shows that with proper and ongoing training, community volunteers can play … [Read more...] about Effect of a Community-Based Enhancement Program on Emergency Assistance and Marine Patient Transfer Coordination Competency Among Community Health Volunteers on the Remote Islands of Southern Thailand: Quasi-Experimental Study

This study looked at the long-term impact of China’s Barefoot Doctors Program and found that children who grew up with access to these community health workers had better health and education later in life, especially women. The improvements were linked to better knowledge about nutrition and healthier diets. The findings show that simple, community-based health programs can … [Read more...] about The long-term effects of early life exposure to primary healthcare expansion: Evidence from the Barefoot Doctor Program

This study explored how community health workers in rural India understand women’s health-seeking behavior. It found that many women face barriers like gender inequality, lack of money, heavy household responsibilities, and low awareness, which prevent them from seeking care. The study suggests that bringing services closer to homes, increasing community awareness, and … [Read more...] about Voices of Rural India: a qualitative study on ASHA workers’ perspective on health-seeking behaviour of women