Effects of Community Malaria Case Management to the overall malaria incidence in Busia county, Kenya, 2022

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of the present study was to determine whether Case Management of Malaria (CCMm) by Community Health  Volunteers (CHVs) affect the trends of malaria incidence in Busia Kenya, 2018-2023. Specifically, the study aimed at determining the  proportion and trends per year for those tested and treated for malaria in health facilities and Community Units and to correlate the trends with annual malaria incidence, out-patient malaria cases, weather patterns, climate change and commodity availability at the  community level.

Methods: The research involved a retrospective cross-sectional study encompassing for Busia County as the study site  involved analysis of routinely collected malaria program data which was abstracted online from the Kenya Health Information Systems.  

Results: The proportion of Suspected Malaria Cases being tested in the community by the Community Health Volunteers compared to  those tested at Health facilities increased from 11% in 2019 to 45% in 2022. The rate of malaria infections per month has remained almost  constant, with peak infections occurring in May every year, except May 2020. Over time, the contribution of CCMm in overall malaria case management and incidence has increased, with more Malaria cases being treated at the Community as from mid-2022. The incidence of  Malaria has remained high over the years.

Conclusion: Community Case Management of Malaria improves access to Malaria treatment  services but does not in itself reduce the Annual Malaria Incidence in Busia County.