This study looked at a new wearable device called neoSpot, used by community health workers to check vital signs of pregnant women during outreach in Lusaka, Zambia. Most women and health workers liked the device because it was fast, easy to use, and could measure many health signs at once. At first, some women were worried about using it, but those fears went away after … [Read more...] about Feasibility of Vital Signs Assessment by Community Health Workers during Antenatal Care Community Outreach in Lusaka, Zambia: A Qualitative Study
Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)
Effectiveness of a Home-based Approach to Child Contact Investigation and TPT Management by Community Health Workers in Ethiopia: A Pragmatic Cluster-randomized Trial
This study in Ethiopia tested if giving tuberculosis (TB) prevention treatment to children at home works better than the usual clinic-based approach. Community health workers visited homes to manage care. The results showed that 40% more children started treatment when care was given at home. Most children in both groups finished treatment, and side effects were rare. The … [Read more...] about Effectiveness of a Home-based Approach to Child Contact Investigation and TPT Management by Community Health Workers in Ethiopia: A Pragmatic Cluster-randomized Trial
Strengthening the role of community health assistants in delivering primary health care the case of maternal health services in Zambia
This study looked at how Zambia strengthened its community health system to improve maternal and child health services. From 2019 to 2021, community health assistants (CHAs) received more training, better supervision, transport, and monthly pay. These changes helped CHAs deliver services more effectively and made their work more accepted by communities. Support from local … [Read more...] about Strengthening the role of community health assistants in delivering primary health care the case of maternal health services in Zambia
Multi-sector determinants of implementation and sustainment for non-specialist treatment of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder in Kenya: a concept mapping study
Kenya needs more trained mental health workers to meet the growing demand for care, especially for depression and trauma. One way to fill this gap is by training non-specialists, like community health workers, to help provide services. However, this approach hasn't been widely used in Kenya. This study worked with 30 experts from different sectors to identify what helps or … [Read more...] about Multi-sector determinants of implementation and sustainment for non-specialist treatment of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder in Kenya: a concept mapping study
Bringing malaria diagnosis and treatment closer to the people: economic rationale for expanding malaria community case management to all ages in a rural district in Madagascar
This study looked at whether allowing community health workers in Madagascar to treat malaria in people of all ages, not just young children, would be a good use of resources. Researchers found that this expanded care approach could save lives, improve access to treatment, and reduce healthcare costs overall. Even when considering all program expenses, the benefits outweighed … [Read more...] about Bringing malaria diagnosis and treatment closer to the people: economic rationale for expanding malaria community case management to all ages in a rural district in Madagascar
