TITLE:
Implementation Research for Malaria Prevention and Control: Barriers and Lessons Learnt in Capacity Building of Community Health Volunteers in Malindi, Kenya
AUTHORS:
Lydiah W. Kibe, Daniel Muia, Charles M. Mbogo, Anne W. Kamau
KEYWORDS:
Qualitative Research, Peer to Peer, Literacy Levels, Referral Forms, Supervision and Community Structures
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Social Sciences,
Vol.11 No.9,
September
11,
2023
ABSTRACT: A two-year implementation study was undertaken in Malimo and Kakuyuni of
Malindi, Kenya. The study combined data collection and intervention in three
phases from November 2015-September 2017. These phases were: 1) CHVs
recruitment and need assessment; 2)
Curriculum and development of training guide; 3)
CHVs implementation activities. Implementation activities were carried out for
six months where selected CHVs conducted home visits, created awareness on
malaria prevention and control activities, and collected monthly data using
prescribed forms. Workshops, field visits, and formal and informal meetings
were used to collect information on challenges faced by the CHVs and the
lessons learned in the intervention phase. Seventy-seven (77) CHVs were
identified. Twenty (20) were randomly selected, trained, and assigned to 20
households each to implement malaria prevention and control activities. The
challenges identified included low literacy levels of CHVs leading to the
introduction of peer-to-peer; weak referral system and poor linkages of CHVs to
health facilities; insufficient supervision and missing coverage and also a
multiplicity of CHVs’ roles. Identification and use of need-based capacity
strengthening and follow-up are crucial in addressing challenges facing CHVs
and enhancing their capacity for successful implementation of CHVs activities
in malaria prevention and control.