Community Engagement for Malaria Elimination in the Greater Mekong Subregion: a Qualitative Study Among Malaria Researchers and Policymakers

Abstract IntroductionCommunity engagement has increasingly received attention in malaria research and program interventions, particularly as countries approach closer to malaria elimination. Although strategies and aspects of community engagement are constantly developing, little is known about how those who implement research or programs view community engagement. This article explores the perspectives of researchers and policy makers in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) on community engagement for malaria control and elimination. MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted among 17 policymakers and 15 senior researchers working in the field of malaria. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed in English. Transcribed data were analyzed using deductive and inductive approach in QSR NVivo. Themes and sub-themes were generated. ResultsResearchers and policymakers emphasized the importance of community engagement in promoting participation in malaria research and interventions. Building trust with the community was seen as crucial. Respondents emphasized involving authority/leadership structures and highlighted the need for intense and participatory engagement. Geographic remoteness, social, cultural, and linguistic diversity were identified as barriers to meaningful engagement. Local staff were described as an essential ‘connect’ between researchers or policy makers and prospective participants. Sharing information with community members, using various strategies such as visualization of message including creative and participatory methods were highlighted. ConclusionsAs malaria continues to decline across the GMS, countries have set elimination goals. In this context, policy makers and researchers involved in malaria prevention and control in the region viewed community engagement as crucial for promoting participation in research or programmatic interventions. Given the difficulties of the “last mile” to elimination, sustained investment in community engagement is needed in isolated areas of the GMS where malaria transmission continues.