This review examines randomized control trials that tested the effectiveness of lay health worker (LHW) interventions on improving Maternal and Child Health (MCH) and addressing key high-burden diseases in low and middle income countries. The authors found that the use of LHWs in health programs showed benefits when compared with standard care in promoting immunization and … [Read more...] about Lay health workers in primary and community health care: A systematic review of trials
Community health workers as a cornerstone for integrating HIV and primary healthcare
This paper describes the contribution of the non-governmental organization Zanmi Lasante (ZL) to scaling up HIV prevention and treatment and improving primary health care services in the public health system in Haiti. ZL’s model utilizes CHWs to supervise antiretroviral therapy and provide community outreach, including active case finding and outreach to marginalized … [Read more...] about Community health workers as a cornerstone for integrating HIV and primary healthcare
Using Community Health Workers for Malaria Control: Experience in Zaire
This study examine the impact of using CHWs in the Katan Health Zone in Zaire to reduce malaria morbidity and mortality. CHWs were trained and supported to administer timely and effective treatment for presumptive malaria attacks. The authors conclude that the introduction of dedicated CHWs can lead to improved access to and utilization of health care for malaria and this in … [Read more...] about Using Community Health Workers for Malaria Control: Experience in Zaire
Malawi: Distribution of DMPA at the Community Level- Lessons Learned
In 2008, Malawi piloted the distribution of the injectable contraceptive DMPA by Health Surveillance Assistants. This report presents lessons learned, during the initial training and implementation roll-out, which will be valuable for other countries planning similar community-based distribution systems. The report pays particular attention to the supply chain implications of … [Read more...] about Malawi: Distribution of DMPA at the Community Level- Lessons Learned
Taking Critical Services to the Home: Scaling-up Home-based Maternal and Postnatal Care, including Family Planning, through Community Midwifery in Kenya
In Kenya, with USAID support, the Population Council's FRONTIERS in Reproductive Health project supported the scale up of a model that enabled women to give birth at home or to be referred to a hospital when attended by a self-employed skilled midwife living in the community. This report describes the project and provides recommendations on skills development for the community … [Read more...] about Taking Critical Services to the Home: Scaling-up Home-based Maternal and Postnatal Care, including Family Planning, through Community Midwifery in Kenya