This article looks at the policy landscape and processes that led to the implementation of a community case management (CCM) for child survival program in Nicaragua. The authors review both the contextual factors that facilitated CCM as well as the challenges, and conclude that continuous monitoring is essential for both sustainability and scale up. … [Read more...] about Community case management in Nicaragua: lessons in fostering adoption and expanding implementation
Iranian health houses open the door to primary care
This article reviews Iran’s “Health Houses,” which were conceived and introduced during the country’s 1980-1988 war with Iraq. The health houses are run by trained CHWs, called behvarzan, who provide basic health care to most of the country's rural population. Female behvarz are typically responsible for child and maternal health, vaccinations, registration and administering … [Read more...] about Iranian health houses open the door to primary care
Six Guiding Principles of Streamlining Community-based Programs
This report summarizes six guiding principles and lessons learned that emerged from the work of an MOH/BASICS team developing a community-based IMCI program in Madagascar. The principles elaborated for streamlining community-based programs are: 1. Action-based messages; 2. Easy-to-use front-line teaching tools; 3. Short skill-based trainings; 4. Engaging large numbers of … [Read more...] about Six Guiding Principles of Streamlining Community-based Programs
Shifting tasks to save lives: the example of AMREF-trained clinical officers in Southern Sudan
This brief report outlines AMREF’s experiences promoting task-shifting among health workers through integrating it into training of clinical officers in southern Sudan. After summarizing the challenges addressed, the policies introduced and the outcomes of the project, AMREF concludes that providing technical support and supportive supervision to the Government of Southern … [Read more...] about Shifting tasks to save lives: the example of AMREF-trained clinical officers in Southern Sudan
Thailand’s unsung heroes
This article reports on the important contributions of community health volunteers in the success of primary health care in Thailand. More than 800,000 health volunteers, including Buddhist monks and their temples, work to promote primary health care and health promotion across the country. … [Read more...] about Thailand’s unsung heroes