Targeted community based interventions improved malaria management competencies in rural Ghana

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Communication
• Malaria Control

Background:

• Malaria remains a significant public health challenge in developing nations.
• The Affordable Medicine Facility-malaria (AMFm) initiative employs communication strategies to improve malaria management.
• This study evaluates AMFm's effectiveness in rural Ghanaian communities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of AMFm communication interventions on malaria knowledge and practices.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of AMFm activities among caregivers, licensed chemical sellers, and prescribers.

Main Methods:

• A communication intervention study utilizing repeated cross-sectional pre- and post-surveys in two Ghanaian districts.
• Development and deployment of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) tools, including posters and flipcharts.
• Community health workers and volunteers delivered malaria management education to caregivers and healthcare providers.

Main Results:

• Significantly higher exposure to malaria/artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) interventions in the intervention district (OR = 16.02).
• Improved malaria/ACT-related knowledge was observed in the intervention group (OR = 3.63).
• Participants in the intervention district demonstrated greater knowledge of correct dispersible drug administration for children under five.

Conclusions:

• Targeted communication interventions effectively enhance malaria-related competencies in rural settings.
• The AMFm initiative, supported by subsidized ACTs and intensive communication, increased awareness and improved malaria management practices.