In South Africa, community health workers (CHWs) are essential in supporting child development, but many feel they lack sufficient training in early childhood care. This study explored CHWs' motivations, background, and knowledge of early child development. CHWs emphasized the importance of nutrition, breastfeeding, immunization, and preschool education for healthy child growth … [Read more...] about Perceptions of roles of community healthcare workers in early childhood in Limpopo, South Africa
South Africa
Expanding Community Health Worker decision space learning from a Participatory Action Research training intervention in a rural South African district
Community Health Workers (CHWs) in South Africa faced numerous challenges, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. A training intervention aimed to support CHWs in making local health decisions and assess its impact. The training equipped CHWs with skills to address community health concerns and fostered dialogue between CHWs and stakeholders. Despite systemic constraints like … [Read more...] about Expanding Community Health Worker decision space learning from a Participatory Action Research training intervention in a rural South African district
An ICT-enabled community oriented primary care intervention in mining communities during COVID-19 (2019–2022): perceived changes in the role and place of community health workers
This study looks at how service providers view the role of Community Health Workers (CHWs) in a four-year ICT-enabled healthcare project for rural mining communities in South Africa. The project aimed to improve healthcare access in areas where public services are often fragmented and the health impacts of mining go unaddressed. CHWs registered over 42,000 households and … [Read more...] about An ICT-enabled community oriented primary care intervention in mining communities during COVID-19 (2019–2022): perceived changes in the role and place of community health workers
Exploring Empathic Communication Among Community Health Workers: Applying the ENACT Tool in Two South African Sites
This study looked at how well community health workers (CHWs) in South Africa communicated with patients, focusing on empathic communication skills. Researchers used a tool called the Enhancing Assessment of Common Therapeutic Factors (ENACT) to measure these skills before and after a quality improvement program called Nyamekela4Care. They recorded 66 consultations in Afrikaans … [Read more...] about Exploring Empathic Communication Among Community Health Workers: Applying the ENACT Tool in Two South African Sites
Community members’ perceptions of community health workers in Melusi, Tshwane, South Africa
This study explored how community members in Melusi informal settlement, South Africa, view community health workers (CHWs). Participants praised CHWs for their communication, support, and ability to provide essential health services. Although some challenges like resistance and privacy issues were noted, CHWs were seen as vital in improving health, offering emergency support, … [Read more...] about Community members’ perceptions of community health workers in Melusi, Tshwane, South Africa
