This study looks at the challenges faced by female community health workers (CHWs) in India, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. These women often juggle demanding health work with family responsibilities and face issues like low pay, poor training, lack of support, and gender inequality. Many were not given protective equipment during the pandemic, and some went unpaid. … [Read more...] about ASHA Workers During COVID-19 in India: At the Intersection of Gender and Work
Moving away from volunteerism in community health? Motivations and wellbeing among urban and rural Ethiopian volunteers
This study looks at how unpaid community health workers (mostly women) in Ethiopia continued to work without pay, even as the government claimed it was moving away from volunteer-based health programs. The research compares two groups—one in cities focused on HIV care, and one in rural areas focused on general health. It shows that both groups were still expected to work for … [Read more...] about Moving away from volunteerism in community health? Motivations and wellbeing among urban and rural Ethiopian volunteers
Effectiveness and uptake of WhatsApp-based HIV microlearning for healthcare workers in remote South African clinics: a pragmatic, mixed-methods, cluster-randomised trial
This study tested short HIV training lessons sent through WhatsApp to nurses and community health workers in South Africa. Most participants read the lessons quickly, and the training improved their knowledge and how they cared for patients. Patient care improved by 21% after the training. The approach was simple, well-received, and shows promise as an easy and low-cost way to … [Read more...] about Effectiveness and uptake of WhatsApp-based HIV microlearning for healthcare workers in remote South African clinics: a pragmatic, mixed-methods, cluster-randomised trial
Editorial: Challenges, Opportunities, and Actions for Improved Maternal and Child Nutrition
Maternal and child malnutrition remains a major concern, especially in low- and middle-income countries. This research highlights key challenges like poor nutrition during pregnancy, high intake of ultra-processed foods, and limited access to care. Community-based approaches, especially those involving trained health workers, show promise in improving nutrition and health … [Read more...] about Editorial: Challenges, Opportunities, and Actions for Improved Maternal and Child Nutrition
Impact of Preschool Hearing Screening in Low-Income Communities: Program Outcomes and Caregiver Perspectives
This study looked at a preschool hearing screening program in a low- and middle-income country, led by community health workers. Over 21 months, more than 13,000 children were screened, and 6% were referred for more testing. Nearly half of those referred were found to have hearing loss. Caregivers strongly supported the program, especially when screenings happened in … [Read more...] about Impact of Preschool Hearing Screening in Low-Income Communities: Program Outcomes and Caregiver Perspectives