Health systems in wealthy countries are under strain from ageing populations, staff shortages, and rising costs. Community health workers can help by improving access to care, supporting people with social needs, and keeping care connected in the community. While interest in these roles is growing, most programs are small, short-term, and poorly funded. This paper argues that … [Read more...] about The case for community health workers in high-income countries
Task-shifting through community health workers: Factors influencing access and utilization of modern family planning methods in Ziniaré, Burkina Faso
This study looked at why many women in rural Burkina Faso still do not use modern family planning, and whether community health workers could help. Community health workers were trained to provide family planning services in some areas, while other areas relied on health facilities as usual. After eight months, use of contraception was similar in both groups. Women were more … [Read more...] about Task-shifting through community health workers: Factors influencing access and utilization of modern family planning methods in Ziniaré, Burkina Faso
Enhancing Health Equity Through Community Health Worker Interventions
This case looks at how hospitals can use community health workers to screen patients for social needs like housing, food, and transportation. It shows that CHW programs can improve care, reduce hospital readmissions, and lower costs, using real examples from Johns Hopkins Hospital. The case explains how such programs can be expanded and made cost-effective while supporting … [Read more...] about Enhancing Health Equity Through Community Health Worker Interventions
Catching babies, carrying traditions: the voices and practices of traditional birth attendants in Mayuge District, East central Uganda
In rural Mayuge District in Uganda, traditional birth attendants continue to care for pregnant women and newborns, especially where health facilities are hard to reach. This study shows that TBAs provide care before, during, and after birth using a mix of traditional and modern practices, but they face many challenges. These include limited supplies, poor links with health … [Read more...] about Catching babies, carrying traditions: the voices and practices of traditional birth attendants in Mayuge District, East central Uganda
Pathways of change for essential newborn care practices and health care seeking: a process evaluation of Mamás del Río, a community-based, maternal and neonatal health intervention in the Peruvian Amazon
In rural Indigenous communities in the Peruvian Amazon, many women give birth at home and newborn deaths remain high. This study looked at how a community program using community health workers and traditional birth attendants led to better newborn care. The program reached most families and provided strong training and support. Traditional birth attendants played the biggest … [Read more...] about Pathways of change for essential newborn care practices and health care seeking: a process evaluation of Mamás del Río, a community-based, maternal and neonatal health intervention in the Peruvian Amazon