Authors: Garumma T Feyissa , Enrique R Pouget , Matiwos Soboka , Radyah Ibnat , Tracy Wong
This review looked at whether community health workers can help prevent and reduce depression during pregnancy and after birth in sub-Saharan Africa. Across 16 studies, programs led by community health workers lowered the risk of depressed mood in the first year after childbirth and reduced symptoms among women who were already struggling. The benefits were seen in the first few months and in some cases lasted up to a year. While the quality of evidence varied, the findings suggest that community health workers can play an important role in supporting mothers’ mental health when programs are carefully adapted to local needs.
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Resource Topic: Perinatal depression
Resource Type: Review
Year: 2026
Region: Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)
Country:
Publisher May Restrict Access: No