Zambezi Region Scales Up Malaria Fight with Community Health Training

Zambezi Region Scales Up Malaria Fight with Community Health Training. In a determined effort to curb the spread of malaria, the Zambezi Health Directorate has launched a major training initiative targeting over 172 Community Health Workers (CHWs). The programme focuses on enhancing capacity in malaria control, testing, and risk communication at the grassroots level.

Malaria remains a persistent public health concern in the Zambezi Region, where seasonal outbreaks continue to affect many communities. By equipping CHWs with critical skills in Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE), the Directorate aims to strengthen local response mechanisms and improve early detection.

The training covers key areas such as proper use of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), symptom recognition, treatment referral pathways, and culturally sensitive communication strategies. By empowering CHWs with this knowledge, the programme seeks to close the gap between health services and remote or underserved communities.

Community Health Workers often serve as the first point of contact for rural households. Their role in promoting preventative behaviours—such as mosquito net use and environmental hygiene—is seen as crucial to reducing infection rates.

This initiative underscores the region’s commitment to tackling malaria through a community-centred approach. The Zambezi Health Directorate continues to collaborate with national and local stakeholders to implement effective, sustainable solutions in the fight against malaria.