In Zambia, identifying hidden malaria cases is crucial for elimination, but reactive case detection (RCD) faces challenges like limited community health workers (CHWs) and rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). A mathematical model assessed ways to improve RCD effectiveness, showing that shortages of CHWs and RDTs significantly increase malaria cases. Adding focal mass drug … [Read more...] about Advancing malaria reactive case detection in a Zambia-like setting: A modeling study
Malaria
Effectiveness of an expanded role for community health workers on malaria blood examination rates in malaria elimination settings in Myanmar: an open stepped-wedge, cluster-randomised controlled trial
As malaria cases decline in the Greater Mekong Subregion, community health workers (CHWs) have become less active. To address this, a new CHW model with expanded roles was tested in Myanmar. The study, conducted in 72 villages, found that the expanded model increased malaria testing by 23% and referrals for other illnesses like dengue and tuberculosis by over three times. … [Read more...] about Effectiveness of an expanded role for community health workers on malaria blood examination rates in malaria elimination settings in Myanmar: an open stepped-wedge, cluster-randomised controlled trial
Incorporating Community Case Management in Risk-Based Surveillance for Malaria Elimination in the Dominican Republic
This study assessed how community health workers (CHWs) improved malaria detection in the Dominican Republic. Using a statistical method (Freedom from Infection, FFI), researchers combined routine health data with CHW data from 33 facilities (2018–2022). Without CHW data, only 52% of facilities could confirm being malaria-free for about 13 months. Adding CHW data increased this … [Read more...] about Incorporating Community Case Management in Risk-Based Surveillance for Malaria Elimination in the Dominican Republic
Targeted distribution of long-lasting insecticidal nets by community health workers to sustain household coverage: A pilot feasibility study in Western Uganda
This study tested a new way to distribute mosquito nets in Uganda using community health workers (CHWs) to fill gaps between mass distribution campaigns. In two villages, CHWs identified households needing nets. Only one village received the nets. The intervention village saw more children under five sleeping under nets, while coverage decreased in the control village. CHWs … [Read more...] about Targeted distribution of long-lasting insecticidal nets by community health workers to sustain household coverage: A pilot feasibility study in Western Uganda
Can SMS reminders improve utilization of malaria prevention strategies among pregnant women in Busia County?
This study tested if SMS reminders could improve malaria prevention among pregnant women in Busia County, Kenya. From September 2023 to February 2024, 156 women were randomized into two groups: one received SMS reminders about using insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and taking preventive malaria medication (IPTp), while the other did not. ITN use was already high at the start, so … [Read more...] about Can SMS reminders improve utilization of malaria prevention strategies among pregnant women in Busia County?