Over a million female village-level health workers known as 'Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs)' in India are experiencing significant stress due to demanding work and low pay, compounded by poverty and gender inequality. Through qualitative research, the study delved into ASHAs' views on work stress and their coping mechanisms. The findings highlighted specific … [Read more...] about “We are everyone’s ASHAs but who’s there for us?” a qualitative exploration of perceptions of work stress and coping among rural frontline workers in Madhya Pradesh, India.
Asia
Acceptability and operational feasibility of community health worker-led home phototherapy treatment for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in rural Bangladesh
In low-resource areas like rural Bangladesh, access to phototherapy for newborns with hyperbilirubinemia is limited. This study explored the feasibility and acceptability of community health worker (CHW)-led home phototherapy. Results showed that families and CHWs found it feasible and convenient, with CHWs receiving intensive training and using mobile health tools for support. … [Read more...] about Acceptability and operational feasibility of community health worker-led home phototherapy treatment for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in rural Bangladesh
Culturally adapted training for community volunteers to improve their knowledge, attitude and practice regarding non-communicable diseases in Vietnam
This study evaluates the impact of culturally adapted training on community health volunteers (CHVs) in Vietnam regarding non-communicable disease (NCD) prevention and management. While the training significantly improved knowledge, attitudes and practices did not show notable change. However, sustaining knowledge gains over time proved challenging, indicating the need for … [Read more...] about Culturally adapted training for community volunteers to improve their knowledge, attitude and practice regarding non-communicable diseases in Vietnam
Prospects for the development of community-based care in remote rural areas: a stakeholder analysis in Laos
Despite progress towards universal health coverage, many rural communities lack access to healthcare. In Laos, community-based health programs aim to address this issue by involving lay health workers (LHWs) as CHWs. This study explored the challenges and opportunities for expanding these programs. Interviews with stakeholders revealed barriers such as geographic … [Read more...] about Prospects for the development of community-based care in remote rural areas: a stakeholder analysis in Laos
Expanding the roles of community health workers to sustain programmes during malaria elimination: a meeting report on operational research in Southeast Asia
Community health workers (CHWs), particularly village malaria workers (VMWs) in Cambodia, play a crucial role in improving healthcare in remote areas. As Cambodia aims for malaria elimination by 2025, sustaining the VMW network becomes vital. This study conducted from 2021 to 2023 explored enhancing VMWs' roles to include diagnosing and treating non-malarial illnesses. VMWs … [Read more...] about Expanding the roles of community health workers to sustain programmes during malaria elimination: a meeting report on operational research in Southeast Asia

