Implementation of community case Malaria Journal Open Access management of malaria in malaria endemic counties of western Kenya: are community health volunteers up to the task in diagnosing malaria?

Early detection and prompt treatment of malaria are essential to reducing complications and saving lives. Adopting a combined strategy that delivers health services at both facility and community levels is crucial, especially since only about 70% of people in sub-Saharan Africa use public facilities as their first point of care for fever. Reaching people where they are ensures no one is left behind.

Globally, limited human resources make the community-based approach a cost-effective and pro-poor solution for expanding healthcare access. Community health volunteers (CHVs) are central to this strategy in most low- and middle-income countries. As trusted members of the communities they serve, CHVs receive targeted training and incentives to deliver essential health education, preventive care, and basic treatment. Their efforts bridge critical gaps and bring healthcare directly to those who need it most.