Research

Assessing selection procedures and roles of Community Health Volunteers and Community Health Management Committees in Ghana’s Community-based Health Planning and Services program

In Ghana, community health volunteers (CHVs) and community health management committees (CHMCs) are essential to providing health care and fostering a sense of community ownership. This study sought to understand the criteria used to select these crucial community-based providers. The authors found that selection processes for CHVs and CHMCs vary widely; they suggest … [Read more...] about Assessing selection procedures and roles of Community Health Volunteers and Community Health Management Committees in Ghana’s Community-based Health Planning and Services program

Although efforts to reach gender equality can improve health outcomes, research is lacking as to what specific gender barriers exist that perpetuate substandard health outcomes. This qualitative study set out to identify specific gender barriers that create obstacles to achieving improved health in Africa. Researchers found that female community health workers face gender based … [Read more...] about Gender intentional approaches to enhance health social enterprises in Africa: a qualitative study of constraints and strategies

In Bangladesh, community health workers (CHWs) were integral in implementing a water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) program. The authors studied the lived experiences of CHWs in the program to inform future implementation. CHWs reported positive effects of participation in the program, such as increased confidence and a sense of respect in the community. In addition to these … [Read more...] about The Lived Experiences of Community Health Workers Serving in a Large-Scale Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Intervention Trial in Rural Bangladesh

Community health workers are essential for providing malaria-related healthcare services in both the Greater Mekong Subregion and Central America. This mixed-method study evaluated CHW programs in Laos and Honduras to further understand the vertical organization of CHW-delivered malaria services. To maintain the near-zero malaria incidence rate achieved in 2019 in both … [Read more...] about Evaluating Vertical Malaria Community Health Worker Programs as Malaria Declines: Learning From Program Evaluations in Honduras and Lao PDR

This mixed-methods cross-sectional study conducted in Texas, USA, aimed to elucidate characteristics of CHW programs to further understand their needs. CHWs must be state-certified to provide health education and conduct health promotion activities within their communities. They are viewed as essential to the multidisciplinary healthcare team in Texas. Respondents expressed a … [Read more...] about Perspectives on Workforce Development Needs for Community Health Workers (CHWs): Results from a Statewide Survey of CHW Employers