Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)

Designing and testing a solution to fill ART knowledge gaps at primary healthcare level: WhatsApp-based microlearning

South Africa has the world’s largest HIV treatment program, but healthcare workers often lack up-to-date knowledge on drug interactions, like those for dolutegravir. A survey of 1,950 workers showed major knowledge gaps, with only 56% having received training. To address this, a WhatsApp-based microlearning program was tested with nurses and community health workers in rural … [Read more...] about Designing and testing a solution to fill ART knowledge gaps at primary healthcare level: WhatsApp-based microlearning

This study looked at whether women in two districts in Malawi were more likely to use modern contraceptives when the information came from health workers or from community figures like religious leaders, traditional leaders, peers, or the media. Among the 414 women surveyed, contraceptive use was almost the same in both groups. The small difference found wasn’t meaningful. The … [Read more...] about Effect of healthcare worker vs. non-health worker delivered health education on modern contraceptive uptake among women in Malawi: a quasi-experimental study

This study explored whether community health workers in rural Rwanda could use a simple checklist to spot children who might have worm infections. CHWs screened 746 students and referred many for treatment or gave deworming medicine at school. Children who had regular CHW follow-up and those who didn’t walk barefoot were less likely to show symptoms. The results suggest that … [Read more...] about Optimizing community health workers and nonbiomedical approaches to assess the burden of soil-transmitted helminthiasis in a school-aged population in rural Rwanda

This review looked at whether community health workers can help prevent and manage depression during and after pregnancy in sub-Saharan Africa. Sixteen studies showed that CHW-led support programs consistently lowered the risk of depressed mood in the first year after birth, with benefits starting early and lasting up to 12 months. For women already showing moderate symptoms, … [Read more...] about How Effective are Community Health Workers in Managing and Preventing Perinatal Depression in Sub-Saharan Africa? A Systematic Review of Quantitative Evidence

This study explored what community health workers in Migori County need to effectively teach families about the malaria vaccine, and whether digital tools could support their training. CHWs preferred in-person sessions with visual aids, though some were open to digital learning. Limited digital skills, language barriers, phone access, and costs made digital training difficult. … [Read more...] about Strengthening Vaccine Uptake: A Qualitative Assessment of Community Health Worker Educational Resource Needs and Community Perspectives on Vaccination in Western Kenya