Malaria and pneumonia are leading causes of morbidity and mortality among under-five children in Africa. Malaria alone accounts for 21-26 percent of under-five mortality in Uganda (WHO 2006) with another 17-26 percent attributed to pneumonia. In spite of available cost-effective interventions for the two conditions, millions of children in low-income countries remain at risk because of poor access to health care, inadequate quality of health services and inappropriate or delayed care seeking, with most deaths occuring at home.

This study sought to determine the competence of community health workers (CHWs) to correctly assess, classify and treat malaria and pneumonia among under-five children after training. It reported that, from 182 consultations, Community Health Workers can be trained to use rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for malaria and timers to assess and manage malaria and pneumonia in children. The authors recommend integration of these diagnostics into community case management of fever. 

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Citation: D. Mukanga et al. Training CHWs to manage malaria and pneumonia, Tropical Medicine and International Health, volume 16 no 10 pp 1234–1242 October 2011

Country: Uganda