Community-based TB care in Gondar, Ethiopia, led by health extension workers (HEWs), has shown promise in early TB diagnosis, prevention, and improved treatment outcomes. This study explored how well the program was accepted and adopted within the community. HEWs' outreach efforts made the program more compatible with community needs, but challenges such as limited support, … [Read more...] about An evaluation of community acceptability and adoption of the community-based TB care program using the diffusion of innovation model
Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)
Exploring Empathic Communication Among Community Health Workers: Applying the ENACT Tool in Two South African Sites
This study looked at how well community health workers (CHWs) in South Africa communicated with patients, focusing on empathic communication skills. Researchers used a tool called the Enhancing Assessment of Common Therapeutic Factors (ENACT) to measure these skills before and after a quality improvement program called Nyamekela4Care. They recorded 66 consultations in Afrikaans … [Read more...] about Exploring Empathic Communication Among Community Health Workers: Applying the ENACT Tool in Two South African Sites
Community-Based Mycetoma Surveillance in Uganda: Identifying Knowledge Gaps and Training of Community Health Workers to Improve Case Detection
Mycetoma is a rare neglected tropical disease in Uganda, and this study aimed to improve community health workers' (CHWs) knowledge to help identify and refer suspected cases. Between March and August 2023, researchers trained 45 CHWs in Gulu and Pader districts for one day and assessed their knowledge before and after the training. Initially, the average knowledge score was … [Read more...] about Community-Based Mycetoma Surveillance in Uganda: Identifying Knowledge Gaps and Training of Community Health Workers to Improve Case Detection
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
eConsent administered by Community Health Workers in a study using the Trials within Cohorts (TwiCs) design-Experiences from the Community-Based chronic Care Lesotho (ComBaCaL) project
In Lesotho, a study used electronic consent (eConsent) to improve data collection for a project involving community health workers (CHWs) who help manage type 2 diabetes and hypertension in remote villages. Over 100 CHWs, both caregivers and data collectors, used a tablet-based system to present simplified consent information and collect signatures electronically. This … [Read more...] about eConsent administered by Community Health Workers in a study using the Trials within Cohorts (TwiCs) design-Experiences from the Community-Based chronic Care Lesotho (ComBaCaL) project
