In Zimbabwe Dixon Chibanda, a psychiatrist, created a space called “Friendship Benches” that sets aside medical and technical elements of mental healthcare and engages the community through “grandmothers” or local lay health workers. The grandmothers are trained in a form of cognitive behavioral therapy, but engage their patients in local language which helps reduce … [Read more...] about Facing a suicide crisis in his country, this African psychiatrist enlisted grandmothers to step in
Unlocking the community health workforce potential, post-Ebola: what models and strategies work?
This document provides a summary of the key points during the “Unlocking the community health workforce potential, post-Ebola: what models and strategies work” meeting. This meeting was designed to develop strategies for countries affected by Ebola and to share lessons from countries with strong existing community health systems. Needs of these countries were shared … [Read more...] about Unlocking the community health workforce potential, post-Ebola: what models and strategies work?
Health Communication Capacity Collaborative (HC3) in Guinea – Case Studies
Post Ebola, Guinea is rebuilding its health system to deliver higher quality care. Part of their effort includes gaining trust again from the community, something that dwindled during the epidemic. Health Communication Capacity Collaborative (HC3) is a five year initiative funded by USAID that is working to address these concerns. HC3 utilizes a social and … [Read more...] about Health Communication Capacity Collaborative (HC3) in Guinea – Case Studies
CHW Defies Culture and Encourages Women to Give Birth in Hospital
Lochuch, a CHW in Kenya, faces many challenges in her job as she tries to protect the health of those in her community. She has dealt with angry husbands and ambulance denials; actions that could lead to harm of pregnant women. Lochuch is working to ensure that women can deliver in a hospital. This article details her personal experience overcoming … [Read more...] about CHW Defies Culture and Encourages Women to Give Birth in Hospital
How to Support Community Health Workers? Reflections on a year of global learning
In this article, mPowering reflects on learning from pre-existing CHW programs. First, they recognize CHWs who have support are more likely to make an impact on the communities they serve. In addition, the introduction of technology into many programs has presented opportunities to improve communication and data collection. The reflection … [Read more...] about How to Support Community Health Workers? Reflections on a year of global learning
