Human Resources Management/Workforce Development

Effect of self-collection of HPV DNA offered by community health workers at home visits on uptake of screening for cervical cancer (the EMA study): a population-based cluster-randomized trial

Control of cervical cancer in developing countries has been hampered by a failure to achieve high screening uptake. In Argentina, more than 60% of women with low education have not had a Papanicolaou (Pap) test in the past 2 years. HPV DNA self-collection could increase screening coverage, but implementation of this technology is difficult in countries of middle and low income. … [Read more...] about Effect of self-collection of HPV DNA offered by community health workers at home visits on uptake of screening for cervical cancer (the EMA study): a population-based cluster-randomized trial

Of the non-communicable diseases (NCDs), hypertension is a major burden in general and in particular in South Africa with trends showing a growth of 20% for both men and women over the past decade. Of further significance is that adherence to hypertension medication varies significantly from under 10% in the lowest socio-economic status (SES) quintile compared to 80% in the … [Read more...] about Hypertension education and adherence in South Africa: a cost-effectiveness analysis of community health workers

Supervision is meant to improve the performance and motivation of community health workers (CHWs). However, most evidence on supervision relates to facility health workers. The Integrated Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) Program in Morogoro region, Tanzania, implemented a CHW pilot with a cascade supervision model where facility health workers were trained in … [Read more...] about Initial experience and innovations in supervising community health workers for maternal, newborn child health in Morogoro region, Tanzania

Community health worker (CHW) programmes have received much attention since the 1978 Declaration of Alma-Ata, with many initiatives established in developing countries. However, CHW programmes often suffer high attrition once the initial enthusiasm of volunteers wanes. In 2002, Uganda began implementing a national CHW programme called the village health teams (VHTs), but their … [Read more...] about Selection and performance of village health teams (VHTs) in Uganda: lessons from the natural helper model of health promotion

Despite the progress some countries have made in scaling up CHW programs, many countries that would benefit from strong CHW cadres currently have only ad hoc, sub-scale programs. This problem extends even to high-income countries that would benefit from CHW programs to provide cost-effective care and battle chronic disease. Countries wishing to scale these programs using a … [Read more...] about Strengthening Primary Health Care through Community Health Workers: Investment Case and Financing Recommendations