Authors: Jean Claude Semuto Ngabonziza, Khairunisa Suleiman, Nouh Saad Mohamed, Gilbert Rukundo, Marie Fidele Muremba, James Kagame, Jean Claude Mugisha, Hervé Rutebuka, Eric Remera, Emmanuel Edwar Siddig, Schifra Uwamungu, Emery Hezagira, Sylvere Mugumya, Benjamin Niyitegeka, Jean Baptiste Byiringiro, Patrick Migambi, Manasseh Wandera Gihana, Sarah Girdwood, Jean Baptiste Mazarati, Nick Banks, Aurélien Macé, Rita Makabayi Mugabe, Richard T Lester, Albert Tuyishime, Ayman Ahmed, Vanessa Fargnoli, Claude Mambo Muvunyi, Paula Akugizibwe, Rigveda Kadam
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, referrals to health facilities dropped by about 24%, as many patients were safely managed within the community. Health workers reported that the tool made their work easier and improved decision-making. The results suggest that this digital system can strengthen community-level care and reduce pressure on health facilities.
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Resource Topic: CHW Role, CHW programs, Digital health, Disease surveillance, Screening
Resource Type: Evaluation
Year: 2026
Region: Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)
Country: Rwanda
Publisher May Restrict Access: No