In Mahenge, Tanzania, a community-based epilepsy care program helped reduce seizures and improve medication adherence among people with epilepsy in a region affected by onchocerciasis. Community health workers screened for epilepsy, distributed antiseizure medications (ASMs), promoted ivermectin use for onchocerciasis, and monitored progress monthly. The program significantly … [Read more...] about Community-based epilepsy care in an onchocerciasis-endemic area: A 3-year cohort study in Mahenge, Tanzania
Tanzania
Communication Channels, Community Engagement and Access to Healthcare Services in Tanzania
This study examined how different communication channels, like mobile phones, community health workers, radio, social media, and village meetings, affect community engagement and healthcare access in Makambako, Tanzania. With data from 503 participants, results showed these channels boost health information sharing and encourage healthier behaviors, making it easier for people … [Read more...] about Communication Channels, Community Engagement and Access to Healthcare Services in Tanzania
Role of Community Health Workers in early detection, reporting and response to infectious disease outbreaks: Experience from Marburg Outbreak Management in Kagera region, Northwestern Tanzania
In March 2023, community health workers (CHWs) played a key role in detecting and responding to an outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD). They first reported unexplained deaths, which were later confirmed as MVD. CHWs from high-risk areas were trained on the disease, equipped with protective gear, and helped raise awareness, educate the public, and offer psychosocial support. … [Read more...] about Role of Community Health Workers in early detection, reporting and response to infectious disease outbreaks: Experience from Marburg Outbreak Management in Kagera region, Northwestern Tanzania
Prevalence of onchocerciasis and epilepsy in a Tanzanian region after a prolonged community-directed treatment with ivermectin
A study conducted in Mahenge, Tanzania, aimed to assess the prevalence of onchocerciasis and epilepsy after 25 years of ivermectin treatment. Community health workers (CHWs) played a key role by conducting door-to-door household surveys, screening individuals for epilepsy, and helping with onchocerciasis testing. The study found that 11.8% of children tested positive for … [Read more...] about Prevalence of onchocerciasis and epilepsy in a Tanzanian region after a prolonged community-directed treatment with ivermectin
COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS’ TARGETING OF WOMEN FOR HEALTH AND NUTRITION HOME VISITS IN RURAL TANZANIA: A MIXED-METHODS STUDY
Community health workers (CHWs) provide education and health information to families. In large geographic areas, CHWs often need to decide which households to visit, but the factors influencing these decisions are not well understood. This study examined how CHWs in rural Tanzania decide which households to visit and assessed the coverage of these visits. This cross-sectional … [Read more...] about COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS’ TARGETING OF WOMEN FOR HEALTH AND NUTRITION HOME VISITS IN RURAL TANZANIA: A MIXED-METHODS STUDY
