This review looked at how cost-effective community health worker (CHW) programs are in tackling HIV, TB, and malaria in low- and middle-income countries. It included 33 studies from 2015 to 2024, mostly from sub-Saharan Africa. CHWs provided services like health education, finding cases, helping with diagnosis, treatment support, and referrals. Most studies found that CHW … [Read more...] about Costs and cost-effectiveness of community health worker programs focussed on HIV, TB and malaria infectious diseases in low- and middle-income countries (2015–2024) A scoping literature review
A Case Study of CHW Integration in Two Health Departments in Southern Arizona
This study looked at how community health workers (CHWs) are included in the work of two local health departments. Interviews with staff showed that CHWs help build trust, provide important services, and identify community needs. However, challenges like complicated hiring processes, low pay, and unclear roles make it hard to fully include CHWs. The study highlighted what is … [Read more...] about A Case Study of CHW Integration in Two Health Departments in Southern Arizona
A formative evaluation of potential barriers and facilitators to inform effective implementation of a community-based hypertension care program in rural South Africa: The IMPACT-BP trial
In rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, most people with high blood pressure are not getting it under control. To help fix this, researchers looked at how care is currently provided in clinics and what might help or get in the way of a new community-based program (IMPACT-BP). They talked with clinic staff, community health workers (CHWs), community leaders, and patients. … [Read more...] about A formative evaluation of potential barriers and facilitators to inform effective implementation of a community-based hypertension care program in rural South Africa: The IMPACT-BP trial
Feasibility and acceptability of task sharing collection of HIV viral load dried blood spot samples with community lay cadres in Zimbabwe
This study looked at whether trained community volunteers (called Community Lay Cadres or CLCs) in Zimbabwe can collect HIV viral load blood samples as well as healthcare workers (HCWs). Blood samples were taken from 374 people—one by a HCW and one by a CLC. The results matched 96% of the time. Most CLCs collected the samples correctly, and both the CLCs and clients felt … [Read more...] about Feasibility and acceptability of task sharing collection of HIV viral load dried blood spot samples with community lay cadres in Zimbabwe
Building Community Networks and Engagement for Effective TB Case Management
Tuberculosis (TB) is still a major health issue, especially in low- and middle-income countries. This review looks at how involving communities can help improve TB care. It shows that community support helps with early detection, sticking to treatment, and managing the illness over time. Key approaches include using community health workers, involving different sectors, and … [Read more...] about Building Community Networks and Engagement for Effective TB Case Management