This paper comments on the ways that community health workers should be deployed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the US. CHWs are members of the communities they serve, making them skilled in community engagement and health communication at a time when social distancing mandates are a possible barrier in connecting vulnerable communities to resources. The authors … [Read more...] about Community health workers and non-clinical patient navigators: A critical COVID-19 pandemic workforce
Cost-effectiveness of community health systems strengthening: quality improvement interventions at community level to realise maternal and child health gains in Kenya
In Kenya, researchers wanted to know how community health workers were being engaged to improve antenatal care and skilled delivery outcomes to determine what quality improvement interventions would be most beneficial. The authors found that community quality improvement interventions were a cost-effective way to increase the identification, referral and follow-up of pregnant … [Read more...] about Cost-effectiveness of community health systems strengthening: quality improvement interventions at community level to realise maternal and child health gains in Kenya
Compensation models for community health workers: Comparison of legal frameworks across five countries
Despite their vital function in keeping communities healthy and safe, community health worker (CHW) pay has long been a subject to global debate. This study maps the legal environment for CHW compensation in Brazil, Ghana, Nigeria, Rwanda, and South Africa. Ultimately, having a strong legal framework does not guarantee proper compensation for CHWs, but it is an important first … [Read more...] about Compensation models for community health workers: Comparison of legal frameworks across five countries
Mother-To-Mother: Evaluation of The Sustainability of A Peer Model to Communicate Nutrition Messages in Mozambique
In Mozambique, child malnutrition remains a persistent problem. This study evaluated the use of community health workers (CHWs) as part of a health promotion strategy in a USAID-funded Child Survival Program in Mozambique five years after the program ended. CHWs proved to be valuable in the fight against child malnutrition, however, they need financial support and training to … [Read more...] about Mother-To-Mother: Evaluation of The Sustainability of A Peer Model to Communicate Nutrition Messages in Mozambique
Community surveillance of COVID-19 by village health volunteers, Thailand
In response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the government of Thailand trained Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) to both educate their communities and identify community cases of COVID-19 to offset the lack of health professionals in the region. With the success of VHVs in identifying cases and educating communities, Thailand was able to control the spread of the virus without … [Read more...] about Community surveillance of COVID-19 by village health volunteers, Thailand