CHW Central

A global resource for and about Community Health Workers

South Africa

Important but Neglected: Job Description of Community Health Workers in the Eastern Cape: A Qualitative Study

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This study explored the experiences and views of community health workers (CHWs) regarding their roles, challenges, and the importance of their work. The study included interviews and focus groups with 10 CHWs. The CHWs educate communities on issues like HIV, TB, and healthy lifestyles but face challenges such as discrimination, lack of training, and language barriers. Despite … [Read more...] about Important but Neglected: Job Description of Community Health Workers in the Eastern Cape: A Qualitative Study

Essentials Counselling Skills for Community Health Workers: Supporting Pregnant Adolescents

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This study evaluated the counselling skills of Community Health Workers (CHWs) in supporting pregnant adolescents in Limpopo, South Africa. It found that CHWs were generally skilled in counselling but showed variability in techniques like using private spaces, engaging with clients, and ending sessions smoothly. Many CHWs did not see record-keeping as necessary. The findings … [Read more...] about Essentials Counselling Skills for Community Health Workers: Supporting Pregnant Adolescents

Structural barriers and facilitators to accessing HIV services for marginalized working populations: Insights from farm workers in South Africa

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Farm workers in Limpopo, South Africa face challenges in accessing HIV healthcare services. A study exploring their experiences identified several barriers, including high transport costs, negative attitudes from health workers, stigma, and poor working conditions. However, mobile health services, community health workers, and supportive work environments helped improve access. … [Read more...] about Structural barriers and facilitators to accessing HIV services for marginalized working populations: Insights from farm workers in South Africa

Perceptions of roles of community healthcare workers in early childhood in Limpopo, South Africa

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In South Africa, community health workers (CHWs) are essential in supporting child development, but many feel they lack sufficient training in early childhood care. This study explored CHWs' motivations, background, and knowledge of early child development. CHWs emphasized the importance of nutrition, breastfeeding, immunization, and preschool education for healthy child growth … [Read more...] about Perceptions of roles of community healthcare workers in early childhood in Limpopo, South Africa

Expanding Community Health Worker decision space learning from a Participatory Action Research training intervention in a rural South African district

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Community Health Workers (CHWs) in South Africa faced numerous challenges, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. A training intervention aimed to support CHWs in making local health decisions and assess its impact. The training equipped CHWs with skills to address community health concerns and fostered dialogue between CHWs and stakeholders. Despite systemic constraints like … [Read more...] about Expanding Community Health Worker decision space learning from a Participatory Action Research training intervention in a rural South African district