The use of CHWs has emerged as a cost-effective approach to extend the reach of health systems. Although it is assumed that low levels of compensation contribute to high drop-out rates among CHWs, a field experiment from Uganda found that the offer of greater financial incentives attracted less socially motivated people to apply to CHW jobs and resulted in high drop-out rates. … [Read more...] about How workers respond to social rewards: evidence from community health workers in Uganda
Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)
‘A seamless transition’: how to sustain a community health worker scheme within the health system of Gombe state, northeast Nigeria
Donor-funded interventions are frequently not adopted, scaled or sustained, or they diminish in efficacy or deviate from the intended protocol. Incorporating village health workers (VHWs) and strengthening their roles is a common intervention funded by donors to tackle maternal, newborn and child health issues. This paper explores the sustainability of VHWs at different levels … [Read more...] about ‘A seamless transition’: how to sustain a community health worker scheme within the health system of Gombe state, northeast Nigeria
“Eternally restarting” or “a branch line of continuity”? Exploring consequences of external shocks on community health systems in Haiti
Community health systems (CHS) are integral in promoting well-being in humanitarian settings, such as Haiti, that face disruptive socio-political and environmental shocks. Haiti’s community health workers (CHWs) are critical intermediaries and this study explores how shocks influence CHS functionality and resilience in the country. Respondents recommended government support … [Read more...] about “Eternally restarting” or “a branch line of continuity”? Exploring consequences of external shocks on community health systems in Haiti
Promising careers? A critical analysis of a randomized control trial in community health worker recruitment in Zambia
This article explores the effects of changes in recruitment practices made by the Zambian government based on the results of a randomized control trial (RCT). The RCT found that using posters that advertised CHW career paths attracted a greater number of suitable candidates. The Zambian government adopted this recruitment approach, but failed to follow through on the career … [Read more...] about Promising careers? A critical analysis of a randomized control trial in community health worker recruitment in Zambia
Community health workers experiences and perceptions of working during the COVID-19 pandemic in Lagos, Nigeria—A qualitative study
CHWs in Lagos provide essential health care, however their role during the COVID-19 pandemic is not as clear. Through semi-structured interviews, this study determined three main themes: different influences on CHWs ability to undertake COVID-19, influences on willingness to work during the pandemic, and suggested improvements for CHWs. The study suggests changes in CHWs … [Read more...] about Community health workers experiences and perceptions of working during the COVID-19 pandemic in Lagos, Nigeria—A qualitative study