A targeted door-to-door malaria response campaign in Mahama Refugee Camp has achieved a remarkable reduction in malaria cases, cutting weekly infections by approximately 86 percent within a month and helping protect thousands of vulnerable residents, including young children and pregnant women, from one of the community's deadliest health threats.
A door-to-door malaria campaign has dramatically reduced malaria cases in Mahama Refugee Camp, helping reverse a rapidly worsening outbreak of one of the leading causes of illness and death in the area, particularly among children under five and pregnant women.
The proactive campaign contributed to an approximately 86% reduction in weekly malaria cases, from 153 cases in the last week of June to just 22 cases by the last week of July.
The campaign was launched after health surveillance data revealed a sharp increase in malaria cases during the rainy season. Weekly cases rose nearly fivefold in June, increasing from 32 cases in the first week to 153 cases in the final week of the month. The trend continued into July, with 129 cases recorded during the first two weeks alone, raising concerns about sustained community transmission and delayed care-seeking among affected families.
In response to the outbreak, Save the Children deployed 21 Community Health Workers (CHWs) and four health facility staff members to conduct active case screening in the camp's most affected villages. Teams carried out door-to-door visits, screening residents for malaria symptoms, conducting Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs), providing immediate treatment for uncomplicated cases, referring patients with other illnesses, and sharing prevention messages focused on early treatment-seeking and the consistent use of mosquito nets.
Thadée*, a Community Health Worker in Mahama Refugee Camp, highlighted the challenges many families face during the rainy season.
“Some families live near marshlands, where mosquitoes breed rapidly during the rainy season. In the last two days alone, I treated five malaria cases while conducting door-to-door visits,” he said.
Beyond treatment, the campaign also helped strengthen community awareness and prevention practices.
“I now understand how to prevent malaria by sleeping under insecticide-treated nets, slashing bushes, and clearing stagnant water around our home,” said Yvonne.
Overall, the month-long campaign reached 10,454 residents, including 165 pregnant women and 1,562 children under five, who are among the groups most vulnerable to malaria infection. Community Health Workers conducted 407 Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RTDs), identified and treated 60 malaria cases, and referred 169 individuals for other medical conditions.
