A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Effectiveness of a Village Health Committee Approach in Improving the Health Status of Rural Communities in Sierra Leone

Abstract

<p>The issues in providing adequate health care for rural populations in developing countries and Sierra Leone in particular are discussed - showing the need for a community-based health care programme to counteract the problems not being addressed by institutionalized health care services.</p> <p>The literature has been reviewed to assess the methods-whereby community health programmes using village workers or village groups have been used around the world.</p> <p>A randomized controlled trial has been designed to test the effectiveness of one particular health status of rural people in Sierra Leone. It is hoped that the results of this study will enable the Sierra Leone government to decide on a national primary health care programme for use in Sierra Leone.</p>