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Community and healthcare worker contributions to malaria prevention: a culturally tailored behaviour change approach in Jozini, South Africa

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: According to the national strategic plan, South Africa aims to eliminate malaria by 2030. Only three out of 9 provinces are malaria endemic. These are Mpumalanga, Limpopo and the north-eastern parts of KwaZulu-Natal provinces. It is important to investigate community and healthcare worker perceptions regarding malaria prevention, control and elimination interventions to enable development of a Social Behavioural Change Communication (SBCC) strategy for Jozini local municipality to complement the National Strategic Plan 2025-2030. METHODS: ) tests (p < 0.05) and Fisher's exact test (p < 0.05) where expected cell counts were less than 5, while qualitative responses were analysed thematically. RESULTS: = 9.61, p = 0.01) but not with gender, education, employment status, or residence duration, and knowledge level was not significantly associated with attitudes or practices (p > 0.05). Healthcare workers showed strong technical knowledge of malaria transmission and prevention, and most reported involvement in diagnosis, treatment, and community outreach activities. However, qualitative findings highlight challenges related to irregular training, staffing gaps, and shortages of diagnostic tools and commodities. CONCLUSIONS: The study found that although awareness of malaria is generally high in Jozini local municipality, misconceptions and inconsistent prevention practices remain. Community health workers are key information sources, but barriers such as poverty, cultural beliefs, and limited resources affect prevention efforts. Healthcare providers are knowledgeable but face operational challenges. These findings underscore the need for targeted SBCC interventions to support malaria control under South Africa's NSP 2025-2030.

Source: Malaria Journal

DOI: 10.1186/s12936-026-05943-8

Authors: Ramokone Ednah Baloyi, Sanele Ngcobo, Taneshka Kruger, Christiaan de Jager

Institutions: Department of Health, University of Pretoria

Language: English

Topic: Malaria Research and Control

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,890