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

Introduction: Malaria remains a major public health challenge, especiallyin remote areas with limited healthcare. The WHO-endorsed MassTesting and Treatment (MTaT) strategy targets high-prevalence regionsby screening and treating entire populations. In India, Odisha’s DAMaNprogramme integrates MTaT with health services to combat malaria intribal 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, AuxiliaryNurse Midwives, and Community Health Officers. Data were analysedusing 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 addressingimplementation gaps. The DAMaN programme has significantly reducedmalaria prevalence and improved healthcare access in remote villagesby integrating malaria control with broader health services and fosteringcommunity engagement. It has strengthened trust in public healthcaresystems and improved health outcomes. However, challenges likeinfrastructure, workforce limitations, socio-cultural resistance, andresource availability need to be addressed to sustain its impact.Conclusion: Suggestions for improving scheduling flexibility, increasingcamp frequency, incentivising volunteers, and fostering inter-departmentalcollaboration could further strengthen DAMaN’s effectiveness andsustainability. How to cite this article:Pradhan M M, Sahoo K C, Patra A, Nanda B, Bag,Dey N, Sahu K, Pati S. Community HealthcareProviders’ Perspective on Malaria Control inDifficult Terrains (DAMaN) in Odisha, India. JCommun Dis. 2025;57(1):55-64. DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/0019.5138.202506