This study looked at how much community health workers in rural South Africa know about diabetic eye disease and whether they help refer patients for screening. Most workers had good knowledge and positive attitudes, and many were already referring patients for screening, but over half had never received formal training on the condition. The study shows that better training … [Read more...] about Diabetic retinopathy screening and referrals: Knowledge, attitudes and practices among community health workers in South Africa
Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)
Community and health systems learning: critical realist evaluation of the VAPAR ‘learning platform’ in rural South Africa 2015-25
This study looked at a program in rural South Africa that brought communities, health workers, and decision-makers together to learn and solve health problems. Over time, it helped build trust, improve teamwork, and strengthen the role of community health workers, making health services more responsive to local needs. The approach became part of the health system and adapted to … [Read more...] about Community and health systems learning: critical realist evaluation of the VAPAR ‘learning platform’ in rural South Africa 2015-25
Altruism or Exploitation? Rethinking the Ethics of Unpaid Lay Community Health Workers in Sub- Saharan Africa. The Case of Zambia
This study looked at whether community health workers in Zambia are being treated fairly when they are not paid. It found that many continue to work out of a strong desire to help their communities, even with little or irregular pay and limited resources. However, the study argues that this situation can still be unfair and that these workers should be properly paid to … [Read more...] about Altruism or Exploitation? Rethinking the Ethics of Unpaid Lay Community Health Workers in Sub- Saharan Africa. The Case of Zambia
When ART is not a magic bullet: Tailored care for vulnerable people living with hiv in the era of treat-all in Shinyanga, Tanzania
This study looked at how community health workers in Tanzania help people living with HIV stay on treatment. It found that for vulnerable groups like children and older adults, support from families, communities, and health workers is essential. Community health workers play a key role because they understand their communities and can connect people to this support. The study … [Read more...] about When ART is not a magic bullet: Tailored care for vulnerable people living with hiv in the era of treat-all in Shinyanga, Tanzania
Operationalising palliative care integration: Experiences of implementers in South Africa
This study looked at how palliative care is being put into practice in public health facilities in South Africa. It found that health workers had different levels of confidence in providing care and faced challenges like limited staff, time, and training. Good teamwork, clear communication, and strong leadership were seen as important for better care. The study shows that more … [Read more...] about Operationalising palliative care integration: Experiences of implementers in South Africa
