As low- and middle-income cities grow in size, community health workers increasingly require evidence-based guidance to understand how to deliver health services to the urban poor. Teralynn Ludwick and her team reviewed the literature to understand the role of CHWs in urban health systems. CHWs often took on similar roles to those found in rural contexts, with the exception … [Read more...] about The distinctive roles of urban community health workers in low- and middle-income countries: A scoping review of the literature
Oceania
Community health workers for pandemic response: a rapid evidence synthesis
This paper presents the results of a rapid evidence synthesis (RES) on CHWs and their role in COVID-19 control and prevention. The authors note that, although more research on implementation is required, findings support the vital role of CHWs in the COVID-19 response. They stress the importance of role clarity, supportive supervision, and work satisfaction for CHWs. … [Read more...] about Community health workers for pandemic response: a rapid evidence synthesis
The Effects of Community Home Visit and Peer Group Nutrition Intervention Delivery Platforms on Nutrition Outcomes in Low and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
The authors in this study highlight the importance of CHW-led delivery systems aimed at improving nutrition-focused interventions. A systematic literature search produced results that indicate an increase in early initiation of breastfeeding, children’s minimum dietary diversity, and minimum meal frequency. The data indicate that CHWs improve infant and child nutritional health … [Read more...] about The Effects of Community Home Visit and Peer Group Nutrition Intervention Delivery Platforms on Nutrition Outcomes in Low and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
COVID-19: It Ain’t Over Until There’s PPE All Over
This article argues for the need for CHWs to be provided with sufficient personal protective equipment (PPE). CHWs are key actors in the the COVID-19 response at the community level. The authors outline the negative effects PPE shortages have on CHWs and, ultimately, the community. … [Read more...] about COVID-19: It Ain’t Over Until There’s PPE All Over
Assessing community health worker service delivery in humanitarian settings
Humanitarian emergencies prompt a crucial need for services and resources, especially for populations that don’t live within easy access to health facilities. There has been a renewed interest in CHWs and their ability to deliver services, such as routine exams and emergency responses, during humanitarian crises. However, the authors found a gap in the evidence assessing … [Read more...] about Assessing community health worker service delivery in humanitarian settings
