After the Alma Ata declaration, SAARC countries established community health workers (CHWs) to address primary healthcare needs, initially focusing on maternal and child health. Now facing rising non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health issues, these countries are creating specialized CHWs for these new challenges. The effectiveness of CHWs, especially during crises, … [Read more...] about Reimagining the role of community health workers in saarc countries
Asia
Conducting a diabetes mellitus prevention trial in women with GDM in Pakistan a feasibility study
Women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This study tested the feasibility of a diabetes prevention program for South Asian women with GDM in Karachi. Using a randomized controlled trial, 180 women with GDM were divided into an intervention group, receiving home-based educational sessions and reinforcement via text … [Read more...] about Conducting a diabetes mellitus prevention trial in women with GDM in Pakistan a feasibility study
How do family members influence smokeless tobacco consumption during pregnancy in India? Perspectives of pregnant women
In South Asia, smokeless tobacco (ST) use is culturally ingrained. This study explored how family and community health workers influence pregnant women's attitudes and behaviors toward ST use in selected Indian populations. Interviews with pregnant and postpartum women revealed a shift in social norms, with family members increasingly encouraging women to stop using ST during … [Read more...] about How do family members influence smokeless tobacco consumption during pregnancy in India? Perspectives of pregnant women
Development and evaluation of a training program on non-communicable diseases to empower community health workers in rural India
This study developed and tested a 5-day training program for Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), female community health workers in India, focusing on non-communicable diseases (NCDs). In a randomized trial in Tehri-Garhwal district, 36 ASHAs participated. The program significantly increased NCD knowledge among ASHAs compared to controls. ASHAs in the intervention group … [Read more...] about Development and evaluation of a training program on non-communicable diseases to empower community health workers in rural India
Long-term effectiveness of a village doctor-led multifaceted strategy on blood pressure control: a cluster randomized trial
This study tested a village doctor-led strategy to control blood pressure (BP) in rural China over 36 months. Village doctors, who provide basic primary care, managed hypertension through a stepped-care protocol, delivering medications, and offering health coaching on lifestyle changes and BP monitoring. In 326 villages, patients aged 40 and older with high BP were randomly … [Read more...] about Long-term effectiveness of a village doctor-led multifaceted strategy on blood pressure control: a cluster randomized trial
