THE ROLE OF COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS IN THE EXISTING REFERRAL SYSTEM FOR NEWBORNS

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Newborn mortality remains a pressing public health concern globally, necessitating effective referral systems to ensure timely and appropriate care. Community Health Workers (CHWs) play a crucial role in linking the beneficiaries with healthcare services, including newborn care, especially in resource-constrained settings.

Objective: This paper is trying to assess the role of CHWs linked with newborn referral systems, examining their effectiveness, challenges, and potential improvements. CHWs, with their intimate knowledge of communities, serve as crucial links between healthcare facilities and families, identifying at-risk newborns and expediting referrals.

Materials and Methods: The present study employed a quantitative research design, utilizing a questionnaire for data collection on CHW referrals for newborns. The aim was to analyze the data to understand the effectiveness, challenges, and outcomes of CHW referrals in the context of newborn care. Data of 300 records was collected, representing referrals made by CHWs for newborn care. The sample size was chosen to provide a substantial dataset for analysis, ensuring the statistical significance and reliability of the results.

Conclusion: Challenges such as limited resources and socio-cultural barriers exist, but strategies such as enhanced training, community engagement, and task-shifting can bolster CHW effectiveness. Strengthening the role of CHWs in newborn referral systems holds promise for reducing newborn mortality and improving health outcomes.