Severe malaria cases, such as convulsions, have drastically reduced while simple malaria cases have gone up as mobilizers working under the BCS project have sensitized community members to identify simple malaria and seek early treatment.
Like most communities in Ghana, malaria has been one of the most common diseases in the rural communities of Ekwamase, Ahawoho, and Kososan, in the Central Region killing countless people over the years, especially children. In October 2010, the USAID Ghana Behavior Change Support Project was introduced into these communities and mobilizers as well as other community-based volunteers were trained to sensitize community members on malaria prevention and control issues, including recognizing signs and symptoms, danger signs, the need for early and complete treatment with recommended medicines, referral to health facilities, and other topics.
Mobilizers set off to work- visiting homes, churches, schools and other social gatherings educating their community members on malaria.
Within 12 months of these strenuous sensitization activities, there are signs that suggest their efforts are paying off and having a positive impact in their communities.
According to Mr. Isaac Appiah, the nurse in charge of Ekwamase CHPS compound, before the introduction of the BCS project in his area, severe malaria cases including convulsion were very common at his facility, and such cases had to be referred to Nkwantanum Hospital for redress.
The situation has, however, improved today. He remarked at the end-of-year review meeting held at Ajumako Teachers Hall on the 29th of September 2011 that: “Severe cases like convulsion rushed to the clinic have drastically reduced. However, simple malaria cases referred to the facility have gone up. This is because the mobilizers have sensitized the people to identify and refer all malaria cases to the clinic to avoid severe cases that could lead to death.”
- Mr. Isaac Appiah, Ekwamase CHPS Community Health Nurse
