Community Healthcare Providers’ Perspective on Malaria Control in Difficult Terrains (DAMaN) in Odisha, India

Madan  Mohan Pradhan; Krushna  Chandra Sahoo; Annapurna  Patra; Nirupama  Das; Baladeba  Nanda; Kumuda  Chandra Sahu; Santosh  Bagh; Sanghamitra  Pati

Madan Mohan Pradhan Vector Borne Diseases (VBD), Boudh, Odisha, India
Krushna Chandra Sahoo ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
Annapurna Patra Vector Borne Diseases (VBD), Boudh, Odisha, India
Nirupama Das Vector Borne Diseases (VBD), Anugul, Odisha, India
Baladeba Nanda Vector Borne Diseases (VBD), Keonjhar, Odisha, India
Kumuda Chandra Sahu Vector Borne Diseases (VBD), Kandhamal, Odisha, India
Santosh Bagh Vector Borne Diseases (VBD), Kalahandi, Odisha, India
Sanghamitra Pati ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India

Keywords: Malaria; Mass Testing and Treatment; DAMaN program; Community health care providers; Implementation challenges

Abstract

Introduction: Malaria remains a major public health challenge, especially
in remote areas with limited healthcare. The WHO-endorsed Mass
Testing and Treatment (MTaT) strategy targets high-prevalence regions
by screening and treating entire populations. In India, Odisha’s DAMaN
programme integrates MTaT with health services to combat malaria in
tribal communities. This study explores community healthcare providers’
perspectives on MTaT under DAMaN.
Methods: The study involved 53 community health workers (CHWs)
from five districts, including Accredited Social Health Activists, Auxiliary
Nurse Midwives, and Community Health Officers. Data were analysed
using thematic analysis.
Results: Three themes emerged: 1) Equity in malaria service delivery

among remote, hilly areas and vulnerable tribal populations, 2) Non-
malaria service benefits from mass testing and treatment of malaria

in remote areas, and 3) Challenges and suggestions for addressing
implementation gaps. The DAMaN programme has significantly reduced
malaria prevalence and improved healthcare access in remote villages
by integrating malaria control with broader health services and fostering
community engagement. It has strengthened trust in public healthcare
systems and improved health outcomes. However, challenges like
infrastructure, workforce limitations, socio-cultural resistance, and
resource availability need to be addressed to sustain its impact.
Conclusion: Suggestions for improving scheduling flexibility, increasing
camp frequency, incentivising volunteers, and fostering inter-departmental
collaboration could further strengthen DAMaN’s effectiveness and
sustainability.

How to cite this article:
Pradhan M M, Sahoo K C, Patra A, Nanda B, Bag,
Dey N, Sahu K, Pati S. Community Healthcare
Providers’ Perspective on Malaria Control in
Difficult Terrains (DAMaN) in Odisha, India. J
Commun Dis. 2025;57(1):55-64.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/0019.5138.202506

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