Journal articles

Exploring the context in which different close-to-community sexual and reproductive health service providers operate in Bangladesh: a qualitative study

A range of formal and informal close-to-community (CTC) health service providers operate in an increasingly urbanized Bangladesh. Informal CTC health service providers play a key role in Bangladesh’s pluralistic health system, yet the reasons for their popularity and their interactions with formal providers and the community are poorly understood. This paper aims to understand … [Read more...] about Exploring the context in which different close-to-community sexual and reproductive health service providers operate in Bangladesh: a qualitative study

There is robust evidence that community health workers (CHWs) in low- and middle-income (LMIC) countries can improve their clients’ health and well-being. The evidence on proven strategies to enhance and sustain CHW performance at scale, however, is limited. Nevertheless, CHW stakeholders need guidance and new ideas, which can emerge from the recognition that CHWs function at … [Read more...] about Strategic partnering to improve community health worker programming and performance: features of a community-health system integrated approach

Mozambique launched its revitalized community health programme in 2010 in response to inequitable coverage and quality of health services. The programme is focused on health promotion and disease prevention, with 20% of community health workers’ (known in Mozambique as Agentes Polivalentes Elementares (APEs)) time spent on curative services and 80% on activities promoting … [Read more...] about Exploring competing experiences and expectations of the revitalized community health worker programme in Mozambique: an equity analysis

In this commentary, we discuss a photography competition, launched during the summer of 2014, to explore the everyday stories of how gender plays out within health systems around the world. While no submission fees were charged nor financial awards involved, the winning entries were exhibited at the Global Symposium on Health Systems Research in Cape Town, South Africa, in … [Read more...] about Snap shots from a photo competition: what does it reveal about close-to-community providers, gender and power in health systems?

Numerous countries around the world have established community health programmes as a means to expanding access to health services among vulnerable populations, and these programmes are considered a vital component of reaching the health-related Millennium Development Goals. With the shift towards the sustainable development goals and emphasis within these on equitable … [Read more...] about Supervision of community health workers in Mozambique: a qualitative study of factors influencing motivation and programme implementation