Essential Services Research Articles

Recognizing and Addressing Health Care Barriers for Transgender and Nonbinary People Living With a Chronic Illness or Disability.

This paper explores the health care experiences of individuals who are transgender and/or nonbinary (TGNB) and live with a chronic illness and/or disability (CI/D). Using an interpretivist epistemological worldview and an intersectional lens, the research team explored the compounded barriers faced by this patient population and propose solutions for improving their care. The study conducted in-depth interviews with TGNB individuals who self-identified as having a CI/D to understand their health and health care experiences. The interdisciplinary research team, which includes individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences related to gender identity and CI/D, analyzed the data thematically using an iterative interpretive approach. Participants described barriers such as diagnostic overshadowing and provider skepticism that were exacerbated by their dual TGNB-CI/D identities. Participants interacted with health care systems frequently due to ongoing medical needs, which increased the likelihood of negative encounters like misdiagnosis, inappropriate questioning related to their gender identity, and skepticism of their CI/D. Gaslighting experiences further eroded trust in health care providers and contributed to health care inequities. The lack of LGBTQ+ competent care, coupled with discriminatory attitudes, led some participants to forgo seeking essential health care services altogether. Participants identified several strategies to mitigate barriers, including advocating for LGBTQ+ competent care through provider education and training; structural changes to address financial barriers and insurance issues; leveraging telehealth services; and increasing community support networks. By enacting the suggested actionable solutions, which were grounded in participants' voices and experiences, the health care system can reduce disparities and provide better, more affirming health care to this group.

A Summary of Recent Advances in the Literature on Machine Learning Techniques for Remote Sensing of Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems (GDEs) from Space

While groundwater-dependent ecosystems (GDEs) occupy only a small portion of the Earth’s surface, they hold significant ecological value by providing essential ecosystem services such as habitat for flora and fauna, carbon sequestration, and erosion control. However, GDE functionality is increasingly threatened by human activities, rainfall variability, and climate change. To address these challenges, various methods have been developed to assess, monitor, and understand GDEs, aiding sustainable decision-making and conservation policy implementation. Among these, remote sensing and advanced machine learning (ML) techniques have emerged as key tools for improving the evaluation of dryland GDEs. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the progress made in applying advanced ML algorithms to assess and monitor GDEs. It begins with a systematic literature review following the PRISMA framework, followed by an analysis of temporal and geographic trends in ML applications for GDE research. Additionally, it explores different advanced ML algorithms and their applications across various GDE types. The paper also discusses challenges in mapping GDEs and proposes mitigation strategies. Despite the promise of ML in GDE studies, the field remains in its early stages, with most research concentrated in China, the USA, and Germany. While advanced ML techniques enable high-quality dryland GDE classification at local to global scales, model performance is highly dependent on data availability and quality. Overall, the findings underscore the growing importance and potential of geospatial approaches in generating spatially explicit information on dryland GDEs. Future research should focus on enhancing models through hybrid and transformative techniques, as well as fostering interdisciplinary collaboration between ecologists and computer scientists to improve model development and result interpretability. The insights presented in this study will help guide future research efforts and contribute to the improved management and conservation of GDEs.

Older Adults' Perspectives on Adopting Smart Home Technology for 'Proactive Health': A Qualitative Study.

Smart home technology, as an emerging innovation, holds significant potential to support proactive health by enabling accurate prediction and intelligent warning of health issues. This study aims to explore older adults' perceptions of adopting smart home technology to promote proactive health. An exploratory qualitative study. Focus groups and one-on-one interviews were held with 20 older adults recruited from a retirement activity center, a nursing home, and the geriatrics department of a tertiary hospital in China between June and October 2024. The interview transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis and further examined through the framework of the Technology Acceptance Model. The analysis identified four themes: (1) The need for care is the primary determinant for older adults' consideration of adopting smart home technology. When care is needed, factors such as self-care ability, care from children and the caregiving capabilities of smart home technology play a crucial role in their decision-making process. (2) Older adults expect smart home technology to deliver essential healthcare services, including health monitoring and counselling, emergency assistance and emotional support. (3) Individual differences, interplay with life experiences, significantly influence older adults' willingness to adopt smart home technology. (4) The perceived effectiveness of technology, age-friendly design, potential technical malfunctions and privacy concerns are also critical factors affecting adoption decisions. All themes were also matched to perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and attitude in the Technology Acceptance Model. This study provides valuable insights into older adults' perspectives on adopting smart home technology and serves as a reference for its development in geriatric health management. To enhance the applicability of these technologies, nurses should collaborate with developers, integrating their expertise in elderly care and daily living needs. The findings offer guidance for advancing smart home technology to better address the health needs of older adults. By integrating these technologies into practice, nurses can more effectively respond to the unique health conditions of older adults, optimise nursing workflows and enhance the overall quality of care. Ultimately, this ensures that older adults remain the primary beneficiaries of technological advancements in healthcare. The study adhered to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research guidelines. Limited patient and public involvement was incorporated, focusing on feedback on data analysis.

Resilience of Micro Enterprises in Disaster-Prone Areas

Micro enterprises form the backbone of many local economies, providing essential goods and services while contributing to poverty reduction and regional development. This study examined the resilience of micro enterprises operating in disaster-prone areas of Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, Philippines. The study aimed to create an overlay map of micro enterprises near disaster-prone areas, assess their disaster preparedness, knowledge, and business resilience, determine the relationships between these factors, identify key predictors of business resilience, and develop an extension program to enhance resilience management for micro enterprises. A quantitative research approach was employed, involving data collection through surveys administered to micro enterprise owners. Geo-Information System (GIS) tool was utilized to generate the overlay map, pinpointing the proximity of micro enterprises to disaster-prone areas. The findings of the study revealed that micro enterprises are extremely prepared for disaster and are knowledgeable about disaster-related knowledge. In terms of business resilience, micro enterprises are highly resilient in communication and media, and resilient on institutional control, planning and preparedness, philosophy and integrity, and external support and linkages. The study further indicated that there is a significant relationship between disaster preparedness and business resilience, including disaster-related knowledge and business resilience. The results of the regression analysis showed that business resilience is strongly influenced by both disaster preparedness and disaster-related knowledge, with the latter having a stronger impact. The study concluded that while micro enterprises exhibit some level of resilience, there is a critical need for improved disaster risk reduction management practices and stronger support systems to ensure sustainable business operations in the face of recurrent natural disasters.

Visa journeys and permanent temporariness: navigating welfare state borders and precarious status in Australia

ABSTRACT This article introduces the concept of ‘visa journeys’ to explore the lived experiences of first-generation migrants in Australia as they navigate restrictive migration policies and precarious legal statuses. While scholarship on migration journeys has traditionally been framed around spatial mobility, this article shifts attention to transitions between visas and migration statuses, arguing that it constitutes a central aspect of contemporary migration trajectories. Drawing on ethnographic data, it examines how migrants strategise and cope with the uncertainties of navigating visa categories, highlighting the interaction between structural constraints and individual agency. Framing visa journeys within the concept of welfare state bordering, the article explores how legal status mediates access to essential services, and how ‘permanent temporariness’ is produced by restrictive policies. This article aims to contribute to wider debates on migration governance, migration temporalities, precarious status, and social inclusion. While grounded in the Australian context, the framing of visa journeys offers a perspective for understanding and comparing migration experiences globally.

Lessons learnt from the 2021 Pacific Northwest heat dome: a qualitative study of western Washington’s healthcare community response

ObjectiveThe 2021 Pacific Northwest heat dome was Washington state’s deadliest recorded weather event and presented unprecedented response challenges to the state’s health sector. Understanding the impacts of this extreme heat...

Scoping provision of WASH services for unsheltered individuals: practitioners’ experiences from the West Coast (U.S.)

Abstract This study focuses on five West Coast cities in the United States (U.S.) to understand current access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions targeted toward individuals experiencing homelessness. The study explores how services are provided, funded, and measured for impact and how key partners in service provision are identified. While individuals experiencing homelessness often rely on public sources like water taps and porta-potties, they also face barriers such as economic constraints and stigma that can lead to the formation of informal governance systems for accessing WASH services. This research assesses institutional interventions by governments and nonprofits to improve decision-making for public health and inform funding and intervention designs. Key findings show that local individuals in nonprofit organizations, local government agencies, and utilities champion most WASH intervention programs. Such programs provide essential services while helping cultivate trust as a bridge to other social programs. Motivation for these interventions stems from public health concerns, ensuring WASH is a human right, recognizing homelessness as a humanitarian emergency, and wanting to provide a fresh start for individuals. However, the ad hoc nature of the work presents a challenge for securing long-term funding and navigating local government programs.

Azov-type spits: long-term monitoring of morphodynamics and vegetation in response to changing environment.

Azov-type spits (ATS) are unique landforms located along the Northern coast of the Sea of Azov (NA) that have no global analogs. They play a vital role in delivering essential ecosystem services and significantly contribute to the economy of southern Ukraine. ATS are highly sensitive and dynamically responsive to environmental changes, including global and local climate changes, rising sea levels, geological shifts in the Ukrainian crystalline shield, internal shifts in the Sea of Azov and various anthropogenic influences. These factors significantly shape the ATS, influencing their capacity to accumulate biogenic material and sediments, thereby impacting vegetation cover, resilience and functioning within their ecological context. Our study on ATS morphodynamics and vegetation changes is based on a 95-year dataset that incorporates retrospective vegetation maps (1927-1929, 1934, 1996-1999), grassland releves (1995-1999) and satellite imagery (1975-2022) using specific standardized indices (NDVI, NDWI, NDMI, Thermal). We employed Earth Remote Sensing (ERS) tools due to the impracticality of field research amid the ongoing military occupation of ATS territories. Climate change vulnerability was assessed by examining surface air temperature and precipitation changes for the periods 1900-2021 and 1991-2021. Meteorological data for NA shows a consistent climate change trend, including rising annual surface temperatures (1.14 ±0.3°C/100 years) and increased annual precipitation (98 ±35 mm/100 years) over the last120 years. Recent decades have witnessed intensified aridization, with up to a 15% drop in precipitation and a 0.8°C per decade temperature increase, accompanied by increased evaporation. Our study reveals the ongoing transformation of ATS and their vegetation, primarily driven by inundation, aggravated by climate change and rising sea levels. ERS tools demonstrated their effectiveness in monitoring environmental changes under challenging circumstances, identifying general trends in the state of plant communities and validating our earlier forecasts for changes in vegetation cover. The increase in the area of halophytic meadow and marsh plant communities occurred alongside a certain decrease in their productivity, while the reduction in sandy-steppe plant community areas was accompanied by an increase in their productivity. The study provides a complex evaluation of the current anthropogenic impacts on the spits and their vegetation.

Multiscale and multidisciplinary method for plant selection to design green urban and peri-urban areas

The planning and design of urban and peri-urban green spaces necessitate careful consideration of various factors, encompassing climatic and agronomic parameters, botanical and eco-physiological characteristics of ornamental plants, and interactions between buildings and green elements. These green areas, along with their composition, play a crucial role in providing essential ecosystem services within urban environments. The process of designing and planning green spaces is a complex, multidisciplinary endeavor, involving professionals such as architects, agronomists, botanists, hydrologists, and civil engineers. The initial steps involve evaluating the area and its location and prioritizing environmental and municipal constraints in the analysis. The selection of plants is heavily influenced by soil and climate parameters. In cases where the area is already green, a meticulous assessment of each plant is essential to determine whether preservation or substitution is more appropriate. Upon completion of the site analysis, the design of the future green area must consider its environmental and social functions, potential ecosystem services, its role within the broader context, compositional aspects, and the judicious use of plant species and materials. This paper proposes a working method that is both multidisciplinary and multiscale, aiming to create sustainable, effective green areas that thrive even in challenging conditions linked to human impact and climate change.

The New Guarantee System for Monitoring Healthcare Services Delivery in Italy: technical remarks and recommendations.

Over the past 15 years, Italy's National Health Service has been the object of increased governmental attention, due to the need to control public spending, reduce waste, and maintain acceptable levels of quality, accessibility and appropriateness of healthcare services. One of the key mechanisms to achieve this has been the implementation of performance assessment systems. Among these is the New Guarantee System, introduced in 2019, which utilizes 88 indicators across three key macro-areas - public health and prevention, primary health care, and hospital care - to assess the quality and equity of essential healthcare services. This paper critically analyzes the 2025 New Guarantee System report, identifying strengths, limitations, and potential improvements for a more effective monitoring system. The findings reveal significant gaps in the current healthcare performance evaluation system. The reliance on descriptive statistics limits the ability to interpret healthcare outcomes accurately. The absence of indicators addressing chronic diseases, health inequalities, new technologies and qualitative patient experiences suggests the urgent need of a more comprehensive evaluation approach. To improve the healthcare performance evaluation system, it is recommended to incorporate more comprehensive indicators that address the identified gaps. Enhanced data integration, qualitative assessments, and an increased focus on chronic diseases and health disparities are essential to provide a more accurate evaluation of healthcare services.

Exploring district implementation of national guidelines and maintenance of essential health services during the COVID-19 pandemic in Uganda

IntroductionThe effectiveness of national policies in decentralised health systems depends on local-level implementation. This study examines whether variation in implementation of national guidelines across districts and health system functions explains...

Comparative study on the factors influencing pre-eclampsia symptoms at different pregnancy stages in Bangladeshi women: urban vs. rural perspectives

BackgroundIn Bangladesh, pre-eclampsia poses a significant concern, evident in the low attendance (37%) for antenatal care (ANC). Despite efforts to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality, the latest Bangladesh Maternal Mortality Survey (BMMS-2016) indicates limited progress. Access to essential maternal and newborn health services, including ANC, remains constrained, highlighting the challenge of translating service coverage into improved outcomes. A research gap on pre-eclampsia symptoms such as severe headache, blurred vision, high blood pressure, and oedema emphasizes the need for targeted interventions for these symptoms early so that we can reduce the prevalence of pre-eclampsia and therefore maternal mortality in Bangladesh. The aim of this study is to investigate and compare the risk factors for three stages of pre-eclampsia among Bangladeshi women living in urban and rural areas.MethodsThe study utilized BMMS-2016 data, employing statistical analyses, including binary logistic regression, to identify associations. It assessed four pre-eclampsia symptoms prevalence across pregnancy stages, considering factors like maternal age, stillborn births, residency, ANC, healthcare facility delivery, education, and children.ResultsLogistic regression highlights key associations with pre-eclampsia symptoms. Urban mothers aged 36 + face the highest risk during delivery (AOR = 2) and the lowest in rural areas after delivery (AOR = 1.43). Two or more stillborn births increase the risk in urban delivery by 97%. Complete ANC raises odds, notably in urban pregnancy (AOR = 1.5) and rural post-delivery (AOR = 1.16). Skilled ANC providers elevate risks during all stages, with the highest in urban pregnancy (AOR = 1.54) and lowest after rural delivery (AOR = 1.28). Unskilled ANC associates with symptoms only during pregnancy. Healthcare facility delivery increases odds at all stages, particularly in rural delivery (AOR = 1.74) and urban pregnancy (AOR = 1.26). Multifetal gestation raises urban delivery risk (AOR = 2.11). Rural areas show higher chances during both pregnancy and delivery. Higher education in rural pregnancy and 2 to 3 birth order in urban delivery reduce odds of pre-eclampsia symptoms.ConclusionsAddressing pre-eclampsia symptoms in Bangladesh, especially among urban women, is urgent. Identified risk factors necessitate targeted interventions to enhance ANC and overall maternal health. Advocating findings to policymakers is crucial for effective policies, reducing pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, contributing to lower maternal mortality.

EVALUATION OF SUSTAINABILITY INDICATORS IN RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS IN GWAGWALADA, FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY

The study assessed sustainability indicators in residential developments within Gwagwalada, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. The key objectives included evaluating the environmental, social, and economic sustainability of three distinct development types: master-planned developments (MPD), sub-divided developments (SDD), and piecemeal developments (PMD). The study adopted a survey research design, utilizing structured questionnaires and direct field observations to collect primary data. A reconnaissance survey was conducted to observe and inventory the selected residential neighborhoods. The study determined a sample size of 400 respondents using Taro Yamane’s formula, ensuring representativeness through a stratified random sampling technique. For data analysis, descriptive statistical techniques such as frequency distributions and percentages were employed to summarize the key characteristics of the data. Additionally, the Neighbourhood Sustainability Assessment Index (NSAI) was applied to evaluate sustainability criteria across the three development patterns. Content analysis of expert interviews and stakeholder discussions provided qualitative insights to supplement the quantitative findings. Key findings indicated that PMD, prevalent in areas such as Kutunku, Gwako, and Zuba, exhibited the lowest sustainability performance, scoring particularly low in open space provision (6.5), internal connectivity (5.5), and affordable housing (5.5). SDD, observed in Tungan Maje and parts of Dobi, presented a balanced but moderate sustainability score, excelling in traffic calming measures (11.0) and crime prevention/safety (16.5) but underperforming in access to public transport (5.5). MPD, dominant in Gwagwalada Central and Quarters, demonstrated the highest overall sustainability score of 356.5, reflecting superior land use integration, non-motorized transport (27.5), and internal connectivity (22.5). Environmental sustainability scores revealed that MPD outperformed SDD and PMD, scoring 169.5, 125.0, and 61.5, respectively. Similarly, social and economic sustainability indicators highlighted MPD’s well-coordinated planning, whereas PMD struggled with fragmented and unstructured development patterns. Based on these findings, the study recommended structured planning approaches that prioritized comprehensive land use policies, improved transport infrastructure, and increased access to essential services. Strengthening policy implementation and fostering collaboration between urban planners and stakeholders were essential for enhancing sustainability in residential developments. In conclusion, the study underscored the need for integrated planning strategies to foster sustainable urban growth in Gwagwalada, emphasizing the significance of adopting master-planned development principles to improve neighborhood sustainability.

What and Who Are “Essential”? A Disability Justice Perspective on COVID-19 Measures and the Diverse Disability Communities in Ontario

Central to Ontario’s COVID-19 response was defining, supporting, and protecting essential services and, by extension, essential people – often through decision-making processes that were ad hoc and lacking in meaningful public engagement. This paper examines the Ontario government’s public health responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, from the early steps taken in 2020 by provincial officials to develop a triage protocol for hospitals that would discriminate against those who fall outside of the narrow view of essential people – especially disabled and older people – to the implementation of public health measures that also disadvantaged diverse disability communities in a multitude of settings and far-reaching, multiple, and intersecting ways. Selectively drawing on online local and national newspapers across Canada that mentioned COVID-19 and people with disabilities from March 2020 to June 2020, we examined the ways in which disabled people have been rendered invisible, invaluable, disposable, and “non-essential” as they struggle to survive the pandemic largely outside of provincial COVID-19 response frameworks. Through this analysis, we craft a contrasting understanding of “essential” that attends to the principles of disability justice, shifting interdependencies, and the diversity and mutuality of human needs. Drawing on examples of mutual aid and caregiving in diverse disabled communities, we also explore disability justice as an alternative framework that leaves no one behind.

Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises under the Transformative Vision 2030 of Saudi Arabia

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a very crucial role in driving economic growth, innovation, and job creation. Under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia aims to position Riyadh as a strategic hub for SMEs, attracting both domestic and international entrepreneurs, investors, and the skilled labors. Riyadh’s geographic location also makes it accessible to the various regions within Saudi Arabia, creating a central node from which SMEs can reach wider markets both domestically and internationally. The Saudi government is investing in different infrastructure and urban development projects to support Riyadh as SMEs hub. For instance, the recently completed Riyadh Metro project worth 25 billion USD intends to foster a greater level of connectivity within the city and ease the access to essential services not only for the common masses but also for the businesses. Previously, SMEs in Saudi Arabia were confronted with the challenges, such as lack of access to financing, regulatory hurdles, and shortage of labor. Often, these barriers kept them from growing to the extent that they could potentially compete with the well-capitalized state enterprises and the multinational corporations. To address these challenges the Saudi Government introduced General Authority for SMEs “Monsha’at” with the aim of increasing SME’s contribution to the GDP by 35% by 2030. In this article we have thoroughly discussed the strategic importance of Riyadh as SMEs hub along with the different challenges that SMEs are facing. Finally, the article contributes on the possible policy routes for supporting and promoting the SMEs in Saudi Arabia.

The role of financial literacy specifically on awareness of products and services in enhancing financial inclusion: A review of mediating effects of financial behavior

This systematic review examines the crucial role of financial literacy in enhancing financial inclusion, particularly in raising awareness of financial services and products. Financial literacy is essential for individuals to comprehend and utilize various financial offerings, enabling them to make informed financial decisions. The objective of this review is to synthesize existing research to demonstrate how improved financial literacy can increase awareness of financial products and facilitate access to these services. A comprehensive search of electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, Emerald Insight, Google Scholar, Research Gate, and Scopus, initially identified 8601 studies. After removing duplicates, 5273 studies were excluded during the screening phase due to irrelevant titles and abstracts, and an additional 2948 studies were eliminated during the eligibility assessment for not meeting predetermined criteria. Ultimately, 49 studies were included in the analysis. The findings reveal significant patterns and gaps in the literature, indicating that individuals with higher financial literacy are more likely to engage in positive financial behaviors, thereby enhancing their access to essential financial services. This review provides valuable insights for educators and policymakers aiming to strengthen financial literacy programs and promote inclusive financial ecosystems, particularly for underserved populations.

Virtual Business Incubation: A Pathway to E-Commerce Success for Albanian Startups

This research investigates the significant role that virtual business incubation plays in the success of e-commerce startups in Albania, highlighting how virtual incubators can be a transformative force in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. Virtual incubators provide essential support services such as mentorship, training, funding, and market access, which are crucial for the growth and sustainability of e-commerce ventures. This research examines how these virtual incubators offer unique advantages such as cost-effectiveness and scalability, two factors that are especially valuable for Albanian startups operating in a challenging digital economy. These incubators allow startups to access resources without the high operational costs associated with traditional physical incubation programs, making them an attractive option for early-stage companies. The research also features a case study of Aladini, one of the leading e-commerce platforms in Albania, which has successfully utilized virtual incubation strategies. The Aladini case provides practical insights into how virtual incubators can be applied to foster growth, overcome challenges, and help startups achieve long-term success. In conclusion, the study underscores the potential of virtual business incubation as a catalyst for e-commerce growth and sustainability, contributing to the overall development of Albania's entrepreneurial ecosystem and offering a model for other emerging markets.

Response of Human Development to Urbanization in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU)

ABSTRACTThis study examines the extent to which urbanization in West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) countries can help improve human development indicators. To this end, we adopted the standard Newey–West error estimator to account for autocorrelation and heteroskedasticity and the Driscoll–Kraay technique to address cross‐sectional dependence, covering the period 2007–2022. Furthermore, we employ the instrumental variable two‐stage least squares (IV‐2SLS) method to address endogeneity concerns. The results indicate that urbanization contributes to improvements in human development indicators, including the human development index (HDI), infant mortality, education, life expectancy, and gross domestic product per capita. Moreover, when we consider the gender aspect, the results show that urbanization is more beneficial in terms of improving life expectancy at birth for women. These findings call for policymakers to increase investment in the development of basic infrastructure and the provision of essential services, including communications, decent housing, water and sanitation, electricity, and safe and affordable urban transport. They should also develop accessible and affordable healthcare infrastructures, with an emphasis on the specific needs of women, such as maternal and child care.

Challenges of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and the Interventions in the Ashrayan-2 Project

The escalating frequency of riverbank erosion in Bangladesh has led to a marked increase in the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) who are deprived of essential services such as adequate housing, employment, healthcare, and security. In response, various interventions have been implemented by government bodies, private sectors, and non - governmental organizations to mitigate the impacts of displacement. A notable recent initiative is the countrywide Ashrayan-2 project, targeting the rehabilitation of the landless- homeless people with a vision to uplift their livelihoods. As a representative sample of those eligible for resettlement, the IDPs' challenges are examined in this study, followed by an assessment of interventions in the Ashrayan Project in a riverbank erosion context. Employing Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) techniques and the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF), this qualitative research shows the issues that the Ashrayan-2 project addressed and those that were not. The findings of this study offer insights and recommendations for future interventions and resettlement project design , considering the needs and challenges of IDPs and current project beneficiaries. JBIP, Vol. 17, 2024, pp. 101-118

Community health workers: a narrative review of a curriculum and training program for low-income communities facing limited access to healthcare

BackgroundThe aim of this narrative review is to examine a WHO-compliant program that prepares Community Health Workers (CHWs) in low-resource environments. The intended outcome of the training is to enhance healthcare access and address health equity disparities. We examined the program’s curriculum, instructional methods, and a complementary continuing medical education (CME) program designed to sustain CHWs’ knowledge and skills.MethodologyWe review, in detail, the CHW training program—its curriculum, delivery, and implementation—launched prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and continuing today. This program develops critical human resources to expand the reach of overburdened healthcare professionals in disproportionately affected regions.ResultsOur review highlights the positive impact of this program on marginalized communities. We propose the adoption of its curriculum and pedagogical framework by local leaders seeking to train teams of well-prepared CHWs to improve healthcare and bridge the gap between communities and medical professionals. This no-cost program is accessible even to the most under-resourced settings.ConclusionThe program examined in this paper offers small, disproportionately affected communities a valuable opportunity to implement a program that equips CHWs to provide essential clinical services and conduct community-wide health education initiatives. These CHWs serve as vital bridges between their communities and the professional medical system. Their demonstrated effectiveness in serving the health needs of their communities, even during the challenging COVID-19 pandemic, is noteworthy. When called for, they can support refugees fleeing war and climate pressures by offering basic clinical care and prevention training.