Effectiveness of Community Health Worker-Led Interventions versus Routine Care on Malaria Prevention in Children under Five: A Narrative Review
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Date
2025
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Research Invention Journal f Research in Medical Sciences
Abstract
Malaria continues to pose a significant threat to the health and survival of children under five, particularly in sub Saharan Africa, where healthcare access is limited. Community Health Worker (CHW)-led interventions have emerged as an effective strategy to bridge gaps in malaria prevention, offering culturally aligned, community-based care that complements routine facility-based services. This narrative review evaluated the comparative effectiveness of CHW-led interventions versus routine care in preventing malaria among children under five. The article synthesized evidence from peer-reviewed studies and program evaluations to highlight how CHWs improve access to insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), facilitate early detection of febrile illnesses, enhance caregiver education, and foster prompt treatment-seeking behavior. A narrative synthesis methodology was employed, drawing from a wide range of empirical studies and policy documents to evaluate implementation outcomes and contextual relevance. Findings indicated that CHW-led interventions result in higher ITN usage, earlier treatment initiation, and improved caregiver satisfaction compared to routine facility care. Despite these benefits, challenges persist, including variable training quality, limited supervision, logistical constraints, and sustainability issues. The review underscored the need for better integration of CHWs into national health systems, investment in supportive infrastructure, and community engagement to maximize their impact. CHW-led models offer a promising, scalable solution for reducing malaria burden in vulnerable pediatric populations.