Abstract:

By 2012, the majority of malaria cases were diagnosed and treated clinically and only 25% of the health facilities had malaria diagnostic equipment (microscopy or RDTs) in South Sudan (HMIS, 2012). In 2017, the Government of South Sudan and malaria implementing partners started implementation of mRDT at community level. This study sets out to determine the competence of community health workers under ICCM while conducting malaria diagnostic test for children under-five for malaria management in former Northern Bar El Ghazal.

Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 480 randomly selected CHWs. Data was collected using a questionnaire consisting of demographics, case management observation checklist, mRDT assessment checklist and competence factors and a focus group discussion guide. Analysis was done using stata V14 and thematic content analysis.

Results showed that competence of CHWs in malaria case management was skewed to right; more than 80 percent of CHWs could rightly assess the danger signs of child, classify patient’s illness correctly, gives correct treatment, counsel and records correct relation between classification, diagnosis and treatment. CHWs scored between 75 and 86 percent on the nine important mRDT procedures and a few CHWs (less than 10%) scored below 40 percent on mRDT procedure competence assessment.

In conclusion, the majority of CHWs were found to be competent in assessing and treating malaria sick children and conducting mRDTs. Therefore, use of mRDTs can be scaled at community level in South Sudan while strengthening competency determinants such as provision of equipment and supplies.

Keywords: Competence, Community Health Workers, Integrated Community Case Management, Malaria Diagnostic Test for Children Under-Five, Malaria Management, mRDT Procedure, Malaria Case Management, mRDT Competence Assessment.

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