Community Health Worker Malaria Case Management in Rural Sub-Saharan Africa

Waiswa Arajab

Department of Pharmacy Kampala International University Uganda

Email: arajab.waiswa@studwc.kiu.ac.ug

ABSTRACT

Malaria remained one of the most pressing public health challenges in sub-Saharan Africa, where over 90% of global cases and deaths occur annually. Timely diagnosis and effective treatment were essential for reducing mortality and curbing transmission, yet health system limitations often restrict access to formal healthcare in rural communities. Community health workers (CHWs) had been deployed widely to bridge this gap, offering diagnostic and treatment services for uncomplicated malaria in resource-constrained settings. This review evaluated the role of CHWs in malaria case management across rural sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on their effectiveness, challenges, and future opportunities. A structured literature review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases to identify peer-reviewed publications from 2012 to 2025, with inclusion criteria emphasizing studies of CHW malaria diagnosis, treatment, supervision, and outcomes in African rural contexts. Evidence showed that CHW programs significantly increased access to prompt diagnosis through rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and ensure timely treatment with artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), contributing to reductions in morbidity and mortality. However, challenges such as stockouts, inadequate training, supervision deficits, and limited integration with formal health systems constrained their impact. Innovative models integrating digital health tools, sustained supervision, and supply chain strengthening showed promise in addressing these barriers. CHWs represent a critical frontline strategy for malaria case management in rural Africa. Ensuring sustained investment, supportive supervision, and integration within national health systems is essential for optimizing their contribution to malaria elimination efforts.

Keywords: Community health workers, Malaria, Sub-Saharan Africa, Case management, Rural health

CITE AS: Waiswa Arajab (2025). Community Health Worker Malaria Case Management in Rural Sub-Saharan Africa. IDOSR JOURNAL OF APPLIED SCIENCES 10(2):39-42, 2025. https://doi.org/10.59298/IDOSRJAS/2025/102.3942