This study describes how a community health worker program called COMPASS was developed to improve access to primary health care in Belgium. The program was inspired by successful community health worker models from Brazil and South Africa and adapted to fit the Belgian health system. Researchers worked with local stakeholders, studied barriers to care, and tested the approach … [Read more...] about Reciprocal innovation to improve access to primary healthcare in Belgium: adaptation and development of a community health worker intervention
CHW programs
Food Rx + CHW: a community health worker-led medically tailored grocery intervention to address food insecurity and type 2 diabetes, a pilot randomized trial
This pilot study looked at whether food support combined with help from a community health worker could improve diabetes control among people experiencing food insecurity. Participants received weekly deliveries of healthy food, and some also received guidance from a community health worker on nutrition, cooking, and accessing local resources. Those who received both food and … [Read more...] about Food Rx + CHW: a community health worker-led medically tailored grocery intervention to address food insecurity and type 2 diabetes, a pilot randomized trial
Implementation and evaluation of a community health workers-led digital integrated diseases screening system to provide healthcare for patients at community level in Rwanda
This study tested a digital screening tool used by community health workers in Rwanda to help identify and manage common illnesses such as tuberculosis, malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhoea. The tool, installed on their smartphones, guided health workers through patient registration, symptom checks, and decisions about treatment or referral. After the tool was introduced, … [Read more...] about Implementation and evaluation of a community health workers-led digital integrated diseases screening system to provide healthcare for patients at community level in Rwanda
Africa Community Health Programme | Continental Landscape Survey Report 2024/5
Community health systems are important for improving health care access across Africa, especially for people in remote and underserved areas. Community health workers play a key role by providing essential services and responding to health emergencies. In 2024, Africa CDC and UNICEF carried out a continent-wide survey to understand the current state of community health systems, … [Read more...] about Africa Community Health Programme | Continental Landscape Survey Report 2024/5
Evaluation of a synchronous training program on common primary care medications for community health workers in Karnataka, India
This study tested a training workshop for community health workers in rural India to improve their understanding of common medicines used in primary care. Many health workers already helped patients with medication questions but had little formal training. After the workshop, their knowledge, confidence, and ability to support patients with medication use improved … [Read more...] about Evaluation of a synchronous training program on common primary care medications for community health workers in Karnataka, India