Involvement of community health workers in antimicrobial stewardship interventions and programmes: a scoping review

This scoping review explored how community health workers (CHWs) contribute to antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) in low- and middle-income countries. Eight studies from Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Kenya were analyzed. CHWs were found to engage in infection prevention, disease detection and treatment (e.g., pneumonia, gastrointestinal infections), health education, and—where permitted—antibiotic prescription. Their involvement often led to reduced misuse of antibiotics and improved community awareness of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). However, results varied by local context and available resources. The review concludes that CHWs are valuable in promoting responsible antibiotic use, but stronger training, clearer roles, and better support systems are needed. Further research should assess how CHW-based AMS interventions can be optimized and sustained over time.