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Community and health systems learning: critical realist evaluation of the VAPAR ‘learning platform’ in rural South Africa 2015-25

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Authors: Sophie Witter, Lucia D'Ambruoso, Maria van der Merwe, Jennifer Hove, Nombuyiselo Nkalanga, Denny Mabetha, Gerhard Goosen, Jerry Sigudla, Stephen Tollman

This study looked at a program in rural South Africa that brought communities, health workers, and decision-makers together to learn and solve health problems. Over time, it helped build trust, improve teamwork, and strengthen the role of community health workers, making health services more responsive to local needs. The approach became part of the health system and adapted to challenges like COVID-19. The study shows that involving communities in learning and decision-making can improve primary health care, especially in low-resource settings.

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Resource Topic: CHW programs, Digital health, Digital technology, mHealth and Technology

Resource Type: Evaluation

Year: 2026

Region: Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)

Country: South Africa

Publisher May Restrict Access: No

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