Expanding the roles of malaria post workers in Thailand: A qualitative study of stakeholder perspectives
Issued Date
2024-09-17
Resource Type
eISSN
27673375
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85204399700
Journal Title
PLOS Global Public Health
Volume
4
Issue
9
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
PLOS Global Public Health Vol.4 No.9 (2024)
Suggested Citation
Jongdeepaisal M., Khonputsa P., Prasert O., Maneenate S., Sirimatayanant M., Sopa P., Saisong A., Charoensup I., Kamsri T., Tipmontree R., Sudathip P., Liverani M., Maude R.J., Pell C. Expanding the roles of malaria post workers in Thailand: A qualitative study of stakeholder perspectives. PLOS Global Public Health Vol.4 No.9 (2024). doi:10.1371/journal.pgph.0003670 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/101376
Title
Expanding the roles of malaria post workers in Thailand: A qualitative study of stakeholder perspectives
Author's Affiliation
Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit
Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
Thailand Ministry of Public Health
Mahidol University
The Open University
Nagasaki University
Nuffield Department of Medicine
Universiteit van Amsterdam
Amsterdam UMC - University of Amsterdam
Phibun Mangsahan Hospital
Sisaket Provincial Health Office
Ubon Ratchathani Provincial Health Office
Buntharik Hospital
Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
Thailand Ministry of Public Health
Mahidol University
The Open University
Nagasaki University
Nuffield Department of Medicine
Universiteit van Amsterdam
Amsterdam UMC - University of Amsterdam
Phibun Mangsahan Hospital
Sisaket Provincial Health Office
Ubon Ratchathani Provincial Health Office
Buntharik Hospital
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
In Thailand, since the 2000s, malaria post (MP) workers have been tasked with promptly detecting and treating all malaria cases to prevent onward transmission in the communities. Expanding their roles to provide health services beyond malaria has been proposed as a strategy to sustain their activities until elimination is reached. This article examines the perspectives of stakeholders on community-based malaria care to assess prospects for expanding the role of MPs. The study incorporated in-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs). In forested communities and local health facilities in northeast Thailand bordering Lao PDR and Cambodia, where malaria transmission is low, IDIs were conducted with 13 MPs and 23 community members. An additional 14 policymakers and implementers across the health sector in Thailand were interviewed. The respondents highlighted how in these border areas population groups most at risk of malaria, namely forest goers and migrants, are reluctant to visit public health facilities. In these areas, MP workers are well integrated in their communities and remain relevant although the communities no longer see malaria as spriority. Common conditions such as dengue, diabetes, insect bites, diarrhea, mental illness and substance abuse, were identified as local health concerns needing potential add-on services from MP workers. Although challenges in terms of training, supervision, and financing were raised, opportunities included additional funds from local administrative offices to maintain and integrate malaria activities with other health programmes. Changes to the roles of MPs should be adapted to changing local needs, some of which were identified in this study, should avoid duplication and potential tensions with other local health programmes, and need to build on the capacity of the community and primary care system. These enabling factors are worthy of consideration by any malaria programmes looking into maintaining their village malaria workers in the Greater Mekong Subregion.