However, the remaining at-risk communities are in hard-to-reach areas, primarily inhabited by ethnic minorities and mobile populations. The VietMCI consortium, led by Supporting Community Development Initiatives (SCDI) in partnership with the Center for Health Consultation and Community Development (CHD) and Phap Bao Center for Community Counseling and Support (PBSC), is dedicated to extending malaria services to these remote regions.

The consortium has been implementing a project to involve mobile and migrant populations (MMP) and reach hard-to-reach areas to promote malaria prevention, testing and treatment in their communities. This is being achieved through the establishment and deployment of Community Malaria Action Teams (CMATs), comprising local Indigenous individuals who possess experience in navigating forests or working in forest farms and are respected in the project communes. Armed with knowledge and preventive measures, these teams forge ahead, bridging the gap between health care and the most vulnerable populations.

Following training and capacity-building, these teams reach out to high-risk populations, providing them with information, education and communication/behavior change communication (IEC/BCC) resources and preventive measures. CMATs refer individuals needing diagnostic and treatment services, offer support for treatment adherence throughout the process, and collaborate closely with local diagnosis and treatment services. Additionally, from 2021 to 2023, the project will broaden the scope of CMATs' activities to encompass other health topics based on local requirements. 

The CMAT system, initially set up in 149 communes, has proved invaluable. This experience will be extended to 85 communes across six provinces, building stronger community networks. Building on the foundation of CMAT networks, the project will promote initiatives to connect and establish community networks within each province and facilitate connections between provinces. 

Mrs A, a resident of Moi village, Chu Rcam commune, Krong Pa district, shares her experience: "Since the project came to our village, we've learned a lot about malaria. We know how to prevent it and spot its signs. Before, we believed in ghosts causing illnesses, but now I know it comes from mosquito bites. Knowing that I can protect myself by using a mosquito net when I sleep. Additionally, I have the assurance that CMAT will be available to assist us with testing and treatment."

Mr Hoai Vu Trinh, a malaria specialist at Chu Rcam commune health station (CHS), acknowledges the work of CMATs. He said, “CMAT helps us and the local health system to access MMP and hard-to-reach areas to communicate malaria knowledge, as well as refer them to CHS for malaria testing." This collaboration is a lifeline for those in the most remote corners, ensuring they receive the care they deserve.”

At the heart of this initiative is community participation. CMATs drive engagement among MMP and hard-to-reach communities, forming a dedicated network for prevention, testing and treatment.

Hiao Khanh: A Dedicated CMAT Member Making a Difference in Gia Lai Province

Gia Lai, a northern mountainous province in the Central Highlands region of Viet Nam, is an area facing the challenge of malaria transmission, especially in the forested and hard-to-reach areas. 

Hiao Khanh, a Jrai farmer from Du village, Gia Lai province, is a leader of CBO Chu Rcam and a member of the CMAT. His intimate knowledge of the forest, combined with personal experience battling malaria, drove him to join the fight against the disease. “Back in 2018, I guided experts from National Institute of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology (NIMPE) to investigate malaria in our area. Despite my lack of knowledge, I was eager to help my family and community prevent malaria,” he said. 

At the end of 2018, when VietMCI looked for a member of the CMAT team to work in the Regional Artemisinin-Resistance Initiative programme, Hiao applied to become a CMAT member and was selected. 

After intensive training in malaria, Hiao started working as a dedicated CMAT member. His deep understanding of the terrain and the habits of his fellow villagers allowed him to create effective outreach plans targeting malaria hotspots. "I knew the risks: sleeping without nets, working unprotected in the forest. I wanted to change this among my fellow villagers," he said. 

As a CMAT member, Hiao reaches out to the MMP and hard-to-reach groups, providing invaluable health education, distributing protective gear, and offering support for testing and treatment. His outreach efforts extend to the heart of the forest, where he ensures those in need receive the care they deserve.

Hiao has faced challenges, especially when it came to transporting suspected malaria cases through difficult terrain. "Getting to the commune health center with an unwell person on my motorbike, especially during the rainy season, was tough.”

Despite these obstacles, Hiao’s resolve remained unshaken. He expanded his efforts, addressing tuberculosis and COVID-19, drug use, social protection, and even organizing community initiatives. "I wanted to do more. Helping the poor, disadvantaged children, and drug users became part of my mission."

Looking ahead, Hiao envisions a broader role for CMATs, equipped to tackle various health issues. He dreams of a healthier, more prosperous community. "In the future, I hope CMATs can do even more. Together, we can make a lasting impact."

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As Viet Nam marches towards its 2030 goal, organizations like SCDI and the unwavering CMATs exemplify the power of community. Together, they redefined local norms, replacing old beliefs with science and healthcare services. This is Viet Nam's story of empowerment, of a nation and its communities standing united against malaria.