Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)

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

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

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

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

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