Participatory Malaria Prevention in Rural Zimbabwe

Abstract

Malaria poses a threat to the development and
prosperity of severely affected communities,
particularly those in Africa. Despite proof
about the effectiveness of prevention, many
communities continue to experience high
incidences of the disease. An evidencebased
participatory project was undertaken
to develop a community-specifi c strategy
for the prevention of malaria in Mucheni,
situated in north-west Zimbabwe. The
experience shows that under-developed
rural communities are able to identify
legitimate challenges and solutions within
locally informed malaria prevention plans,
particularly through the use of existing
resources and external input. Participatory
planning for disease prevention has potential
to promote ownership and acceptance, and
enhances the likelihood of implementation.

African Insight Vol. 36 (3&4) 2006: pp. 115-125