The health workforce in general and CHWs in particular played an instrumental role in curbing the effects of the 2014-2016 Ebola virus outbreak. Lyudmila Neponmnyashchiy and her colleagues provide a brief comparison between the Ebola virus outbreak and the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring the need for sub-Saharan African governments to invest in CHW workforce strengthening and … [Read more...] about COVID-19: Africa needs unprecedented attention to strengthen community health systems
Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)
Which intervention design factors influence performance of community health workers in low- and middle-income countries? A systematic review
National health systems increasingly rely on CHW programming to support population health. Maryse Kok surveyed 140 research studies to uncover CHW program designs that contribute to high CHW performance. Results indicated a broad array of contributing factors, including incentives, frequency of supervision, and high community involvement. … [Read more...] about Which intervention design factors influence performance of community health workers in low- and middle-income countries? A systematic review
Community health workers in Hawai’i: A scoping review and framework analysis of existing evidence
David A Stupplebeen and his colleagues surveyed the literature to understand the scope of CHW’s role and responsibilities in Hawai’i. Responsibilities and roles generally reflected those outlined in the CDC’s ten essential public health services framework and community health worker core consensus project roles. The researchers called for a broader investigation of the number … [Read more...] about Community health workers in Hawai’i: A scoping review and framework analysis of existing evidence
Roles and functions of community health workers in primary care
CHWs in primary care include those with limited formal medical education who provide primary care services and patient support. Andrea Hartzler and her colleagues surveyed thirty research studies to understand the core functions and roles of CHWs in primary care. Functions of CHWs clustered across three types of roles: Clinical services, community resource connections, and … [Read more...] about Roles and functions of community health workers in primary care
Protecting community health workers: PPE needs and recommendations for policy action
Demands for personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic strained global supply chains, often leaving low- and middle-income countries without a means to protect their health workers. CHWs are no exception. This article provides an overview of PPE required to protect CHWs during a pandemic and makes recommendations for improving supply chain access. … [Read more...] about Protecting community health workers: PPE needs and recommendations for policy action
