Management of childhood infectious diseases in the community and factors associated with its implementation by community health workers in the health districts of Boussouma and Bouss in Burkina Faso, 2023

The integrated management of childhood illness at the community level has been implemented and enhanced in Burkina Faso through the recruitment of state-paid community health workers (CHWs). This study was conducted to evaluate the progress in the management of childhood infectious diseases since 2017 and to explore factors affecting the availability of services provided by CHWs. A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was performed. Secondary data were sourced from the national health database, and additional data were collected between March 19 and 30, 2023, from CHWs and health center managers in the Boussé and Boussouma health districts via a survey, then analyzed using SPSS version 25. Proportions and associations (Chi-square tests) were calculated. Since 2017, there has been an increase in the number of children treated in the community for malaria, diarrhea, or pneumonia by CHWs in both districts. Malaria mortality has been steadily declining in the Boussouma district, in contrast to the Boussé district. The outcomes were more favorable in the Boussouma district. The binary logistic regression analysis identified a significant association between service availability by CHWs and factors such as the district of origin and the logistics of health product transportation. Community-based case management is expanding. Enhanced funding and resolution of logistical issues are essential to improve performance. Key words: Community health care, community health workers, performance, pediatric diseases, health district, Burkina Faso.