Rwanda

Optimizing community health workers and non-biomedical approaches to assess the burden of soil-transmitted helminthiasis in a school-aged population in rural Rwanda

This study assessed a community health worker (CHW)-led program in rural Rwanda to screen and manage soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections among school-aged children. Using a non-biomedical screening tool called Beta CommScreen, CHWs identified 43% of children with potential STH symptoms. About 29% were referred for clinic treatment, while deworming medication was provided … [Read more...] about Optimizing community health workers and non-biomedical approaches to assess the burden of soil-transmitted helminthiasis in a school-aged population in rural Rwanda

Public schools can improve health, but children's needs in rural areas are under-researched. This study assessed children's health and the role of community health workers (CHWs) in rural Rwandan schools. Surveys and interviews with 479 participants (425 community members, 54 teachers) revealed that 46% rated children's health as poor. Factors linked to better health included … [Read more...] about Factors associated with perceived health of school-aged children in rural Rwanda: An opportunity to leverage community health workers to enhance primary healthcare systems linkages

In Rwanda, Community Health Workers (CHWs) play a vital role in maternal and neonatal health but often lack access to ongoing training, impacting their effectiveness. This study evaluated the impact of eLearning on CHWs’ knowledge. Conducted from April to October 2021 with 36 CHWs in two districts, the study measured knowledge before, immediately after, and six months … [Read more...] about Using eLearning to improve and retain knowledge of community health workers in maternal and neonatal health in Rwanda: A prospective cohort study

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 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