Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)

The Vicious Worm education tool improves the knowledge of community health workers on Taenia solium cysticercosis in Rwanda

In rural Rwanda, community health workers were trained using The Vicious Worm education software to increase knowledge about Taenia solium infections. A study with 207 participants found that baseline knowledge about cysticercosis was low. However, after training, knowledge significantly improved and was maintained four weeks later. Despite challenges like digital illiteracy … [Read more...] about The Vicious Worm education tool improves the knowledge of community health workers on Taenia solium cysticercosis in Rwanda

This study evaluated the impact of a palliative care (PC) training program on community health volunteers (CHVs) in Kenya. After training, CHVs showed improved knowledge, confidence, and clinical practice in providing PC. They conducted patient evaluations, referrals, and teleconsultations with PC providers. Follow-up assessments at 12 months revealed sustained improvements and … [Read more...] about Impact of training on knowledge, confidence and attitude amongst community health volunteers in the provision of community-based palliative care in rural Kenya

The SPICES-Sussex project in the UK aimed to develop and implement a community-based intervention for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk reduction. Using Voluntary and Community and Social Enterprises (VCSE) and CHW partnerships, the project engaged under-served populations. Results showed positive improvements in CVD risk factors among participants, with high acceptability of … [Read more...] about A community health worker led approach to cardiovascular disease prevention in the UK -SPICES-Sussex (Scaling-up Packages of Interventions for Cardiovascular disease prevention in selected sites in Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa): An implementation research project

This study in Rwanda's Ngoma District assesses factors affecting indoor residual spraying (IRS) uptake and its impact on malaria. A household survey and analysis of health data were conducted. Results show that self-employed and unemployed households were less likely to use IRS. Households receiving information about the IRS via media were less likely to use the IRS than were … [Read more...] about Indoor residual spraying uptake and its effect on malaria morbidity in Ngoma district, Eastern province of Rwanda, 2018-2021

In rural Uganda, many people living with HIV (PLWH) struggle to stay in care. Traditional healers (TH) are often the first point of contact for healthcare. This study adapted a program to train TH in supporting PLWH who have stopped treatment. The adapted program successfully helped PLWH return to care and adhere to treatment. TH provided psychosocial support and acted as a … [Read more...] about Adaption and pilot testing of a lay HIV supporter program for traditional healers a mixed methods study in rural Uganda