ArticleHealth research policy and systems2024
Unsung heroes in Ghana's healthcare system: the case of community health volunteers and community health management committee.
Article in Health research policy and systems, 2024. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.
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2 citing papers in PubMed.
- Evaluation of an electricity-independent method for IS2404 Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) diagnosis of Buruli ulcer in resource-limited settings.PLoS neglected tropical diseases · 2024Article
- 'Two heads are better than one'-exploring the experiences of Ghanaian communities on the role of patient and public participation in health system improvement.Health policy and planning · 2024Article
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Abstract
backgroundIn Ghana, the community-based health planning and services (CHPS) policy highlights the significance of both community health management committees (CHMCs) and community health volunteers (CHVs) in the Ghanaian health system. However, research into their specific effects on health system improvement is scarce. Some research has focussed on the roles of the CHMCs/CHVs in implementing specific targeted health interventions but not on improving the overall health system. Therefore, this research aims to examine the role of the CHMCs and CHVs in improving the Ghanaian health system.
methodsThe study was conducted in three districts in the Ashanti region of Ghana. A total of 35 participants, mainly health service users and health professionals, participated in the study. Data were collected using semi-structured individual in-depth interviews. Participants were selected according to their patient-public engagement or community health activity roles. Data were transcribed and analysed descriptively using NVIVO 12 Plus.
resultsWe found that the effectiveness of CHMCs and CHVs in health systems improvement depends largely on how members are selected. Additionally, working through CHMC and CHVs improves resource availability for community health services, and using them in frontline community health activities improves health outcomes.
conclusionsOverall, we recommend that, for countries with limited healthcare resources such as Ghana, leveraging the significant role of the CHMCs and CHVs is key in complementing government's efforts to improve resource availability for healthcare services. Community health management committees and CHVs are key in providing basic support to communities with limited healthcare personnel. Thus, there is a need to strengthen their capacities to improve the overall health system.
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