Community Engagement for Malaria Elimination
Abstract:
More and more, Community Engagement (CE) is recognized as an important component of malaria elimination efforts. Findings from 22 peer-reviewed empirical studies published between 2015 and 2023, examining the role, impact, and challenges of CE in malaria programs worldwide are synthesized in this systematic review. The implementation of CE remains highly variable in both depth and effectiveness since it has been identified as indispensable for enhancing intervention uptake, program sustainability, and empowering affected communities. High-quality participatory CE which is characterized by collaboration, co-decision-making, cultural alignment, and capacity building, is consistently associated with improved health outcomes, including increased bed net usage, early malaria detection, and better treatment adherence. Still, many CE initiatives are undermined by short-term donor-driven agendas, restricted to superficial or tokenistic participation, lack of standardized evaluation frameworks, inadequate funding, and restricted community decision-making power. In other to achieve sustainable malaria elimination, the review pinpoints the urgent need for structural integration of CE into national strategies, emphasizing long-term partnerships, continuous funding, community leadership, and equity-focused frameworks.References:
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