Forest malaria interventions in Pursat Province, Cambodia

Objectives

The aim of this project was to support the Cambodia National Malaria Program (CNM) to equip and train mobile malaria workers (MMWs) identified among the most at risk populations in two of Operational Districts (OD) to proactively provide point-of-care early diagnosis and treatment.

Principal Institution

University Research Co. (URC), United States

Partner Institutions

National Center for Parasitology, Entomology and Malaria Control (CNM) Cambodia, Cambodia

Rationale and Abstract

Malaria risk is highest in forest and forest fringe areas of Cambodia and is linked to the movement of mobile and migrant populations (MMP) visiting the forest for economic reasons. In 2018, the CNM introduced a robust intensification plan (IP) in the 10 malaria endemic ODs. All key stakeholders, analyzed and identified 29 villages, 6 health facilities, and numerous hotspots in Pursat province to implement IP.

Study Design

As of 2019, 42 MMWs (called fixed touch points and forest goer peer volunteers) were trained to carry out malaria activities in Phnom Kravanh and Krakor districts. These MMWs reached out to forest goers/workers, tested and treated them, and educated them on prevention and care seeking. The MMWs were provided with on-the-job training and supervised by public health staff.

Project Outputs

Forest malaria interventions have made remarkable progress in drastically reducing Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Pursat Province, Cambodia (ASTMH 2020 - abstract)

External reference

URC website - Fighting malaria in the forests of Cambodia

Thematic Categories

Drug-based Strategies
Health Systems & Op. Research
Impact of Interventions
Indigenous Cases & Importation
Vulnerable Populations

Date

Jan 2019 — Dec 2019

Funding Details

United States Agency for International Development (USAID), United States

Project Site

Cambodia