Donor-funded interventions are frequently not adopted, scaled or sustained, or they diminish in efficacy or deviate from the intended protocol. Incorporating village health workers (VHWs) and strengthening their roles is a common intervention funded by donors to tackle maternal, newborn and child health issues. This paper explores the sustainability of VHWs at different levels … [Read more...] about ‘A seamless transition’: how to sustain a community health worker scheme within the health system of Gombe state, northeast Nigeria
Research
Perceptions of Lady Health Workers and their trainers about their curriculum for implementing the interventions identified for Essential Package of Health Services for Pakistan
In the efforts to expand health services and address the shortage of health workers, Pakistan’s government focused on improving the quality of training for CHWs. Lady Health Workers (LHWs) are an essential group of CHWs and compose the most extensive and valuable health resource. Focus group discussions were conducted to identify key themes to address the gaps in their … [Read more...] about Perceptions of Lady Health Workers and their trainers about their curriculum for implementing the interventions identified for Essential Package of Health Services for Pakistan
“Eternally restarting” or “a branch line of continuity”? Exploring consequences of external shocks on community health systems in Haiti
Community health systems (CHS) are integral in promoting well-being in humanitarian settings, such as Haiti, that face disruptive socio-political and environmental shocks. Haiti’s community health workers (CHWs) are critical intermediaries and this study explores how shocks influence CHS functionality and resilience in the country. Respondents recommended government support … [Read more...] about “Eternally restarting” or “a branch line of continuity”? Exploring consequences of external shocks on community health systems in Haiti
Evaluating the association of state regulation of community health workers on adoption of standard roles, skills, and qualities by employers in select states: a mixed methods study
In the United States, CHW roles vary across states and intervention areas. This mixed-methods study aimed to describe these differences and recommend evidence-based standards for CHWs going forward. It determined that to improve the delivery of culturally competent care, CHW certification programs should adopt standards with requirements set by states and professional … [Read more...] about Evaluating the association of state regulation of community health workers on adoption of standard roles, skills, and qualities by employers in select states: a mixed methods study
Community health workers experiences and perceptions of working during the COVID-19 pandemic in Lagos, Nigeria—A qualitative study
CHWs in Lagos provide essential health care, however their role during the COVID-19 pandemic is not as clear. Through semi-structured interviews, this study determined three main themes: different influences on CHWs ability to undertake COVID-19, influences on willingness to work during the pandemic, and suggested improvements for CHWs. The study suggests changes in CHWs … [Read more...] about Community health workers experiences and perceptions of working during the COVID-19 pandemic in Lagos, Nigeria—A qualitative study

