African Cell Biology Journal (Core Life Science) | 13 January 2008
Evaluating Community-led Malaria Early Detection and Treatment in Urban Cape Town's Informal Settlements,
S, i, p, h, o, M, a, k, h, u, m, o, a, h, w, a
Abstract
Malaria remains a significant public health concern in urban Cape Town’s informal settlements, where traditional healthcare services are often insufficient. A mixed-methods approach combining qualitative interviews with quantitative data collection through self-reported surveys among residents in selected informal settlements. Community health workers conducted weekly home visits, resulting in a 20% reduction in malaria parasite prevalence compared to baseline levels (95% CI: [13%, 27%]). The intervention was effective in reducing malaria infection rates among residents of urban Cape Town’s informal settlements. Expanding the programme with additional health worker training and community engagement is recommended for further impact. Treatment effect was estimated with $\text{logit}(p<em>i)=\beta</em>0+\beta^\top X_i$, and uncertainty reported using confidence-interval based inference.