Fatshimetrie explores the significant impact of community health workers in Côte d’Ivoire in the battle against malaria. These health heroes, equipped with bicycles and medical supplies, journey to the most remote villages to effectively combat disease. Their efforts have led to a decrease in malaria cases by up to 70% in some regions this year.
As global progress against malaria stagnates, the World Health Organization is utilizing World Malaria Day 2024 to reinvigorate efforts to combat this disease, which claims the lives of nearly half a million children annually.
Sub-Saharan Africa carries the burden of malaria cases and fatalities, with children under five years old being the most affected, accounting for roughly 80% of malaria-related deaths in the region.
In Côte d’Ivoire, a malaria-endemic country and one of the top ten nations globally for malaria cases, combating the disease is of paramount importance. In 2022 alone, the country represented 3% of all malaria cases worldwide.
A team of approximately 8,300 community health workers, with the support of organizations like Save the Children, are at the forefront of this fight. Individuals like François Kouadio, one of these health workers, deliver essential care and treatment to children and pregnant women in his village.
Thanks to François and his counterparts, families like Prisca’s have access to prompt diagnosis and treatment for malaria. Having a health worker in the village ensures rapid intervention, saving lives such as Prisca’s daughter, Charlene.
Equipped with bicycles, François and his colleagues can visit up to eight families a day, delivering treatment, raising awareness on malaria prevention, and bringing much-needed comfort to their communities.
Due to initiatives like these and heightened awareness, malaria cases have significantly decreased in recent years in Ivory Coast. François emphasizes the crucial role of community health workers in bridging the gap in accessing healthcare.
In addition to community efforts, radio stations broadcast messages on malaria prevention and treatment, contributing to the overarching objective of reducing malaria incidence and mortality by 75% by 2025 compared to 2015.
Save the Children, operating in Ivory Coast since 1991, collaborates with other organizations to implement malaria projects nationwide, ensuring children have access to crucial health services. Dr. Yssouf Ouattara underscores the life-saving impact of community health projects in the fight against malaria.
Fatshimetrie commends the dedication and bravery of these community health workers who, with their bicycles and expertise, continue their vital mission to eradicate malaria in Côte d’Ivoire and save lives daily.
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