Table 1 Intervention description
Training/intervention | description | Control arm (no RDTs) | Intervention arm (RDTs) |
|---|---|---|---|
Basic CHW training | 6-week basic training in preventative and curative services for infectious diseases, nutrition and mother-and-child health. Malaria and malaria treatment guidelines are included in the curriculum. Includes record keeping for health service reporting (Health Management Information System, HMIS) | √ | √ |
Malaria training | 1-day refresher workshop on control, treatment and surveillance for malaria, including the guidelines for community-based treatment of suspected malaria | √ | √ |
mRDT training | Half-day training on use of mRDTs, including symptoms, practical and demonstrated use of mRDTs and treatment guidelines for RDT-confirmed P. falciparum | X | √ |
mRDTs | Bivalent immunofluorescent antigen detection tests for diagnosis of P. falciparum (histidine-rich protein 2, HRP2) and pan-specific Plasmodium lactate dehydrogenase (pLDH). See text for manufacturer details | X | √ |
ACTs | Sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine with artesunate according to standard dosing table for adults and children in co-blister packs. For treatment of RDT-confirmed P. falciparum | X | √ |
SP and CQ | For treatment of suspected malaria (SP and/or CQ) and treatment of pan-specific positive and P. falciparum negative RDTs | √ | √ |
Co-trimoxazole | For treatment of pneumonia in children; included in the standard package of drugs provided to CHWs | √ | √ |