Evaluation

Enhancing tuberculosis (TB) case detection among hospitalized patients through lay health worker led screening: a before-and-after study in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

This study in South Africa tested whether trained lay health workers could help find more tuberculosis (TB) cases in hospitals by doing regular screening and using better testing tools. Compared to the year before, the number of patients diagnosed with TB doubled (from 7.5% to 15%) and fewer people died in the hospital. The results show that using lay health workers for TB … [Read more...] about Enhancing tuberculosis (TB) case detection among hospitalized patients through lay health worker led screening: a before-and-after study in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

In Zambia, a program that combined community-based malaria care and targeted testing (CCM + RTAT) using community health workers helped people get malaria treatment earlier. This led to fewer cases showing up at health facilities and lower death rates among children hospitalized with malaria. The children also had less severe illness and shorter hospital stays. However, while … [Read more...] about Program Evaluation of Community Case Management with Reactive Test and Treat for Malaria in a High-Transmission Setting

Schools play a key role in children’s health and learning. This article looks at Brazil’s school health efforts and suggests ways to improve school health programs worldwide. It highlights four main opportunities: (1) clearly defining the role of community health workers in schools, (2) using proven health programs in schools more widely, (3) better coordination of care to help … [Read more...] about Learning from the strengths of health care in schools in Brazil & opportunities for contemporary global school health

Colorectal cancer affects Hispanic/Latino communities more than others, partly due to low awareness and limited access to information. To help address this, a training program called CoGENES was created to teach community health workers (CHWs) about cancer prevention and genetic testing. The program was taught in Spanish and English and included three phases: training 12 CHWs, … [Read more...] about Self-confidence as a driver of community impact: Outcomes of the Community Genetic Navigation Engagement Specialist (CoGENES) train-the-trainer program

Community-based health programs are important for helping people at risk of infectious diseases. These programs use local knowledge, trusted community members, and tools like mobile apps to improve access to care, encourage early treatment, and share health information. They work well in places affected by diseases like malaria, TB, and HIV/AIDS. Partnerships with governments … [Read more...] about Leveraging Community-Based Interventions To Improve Health Outcomes In Infectious Disease-Prone Populations