The goal of the Regional Artemisinin-resistance Initiative (RAI) is to accelerate elimination of P. falciparum malaria in the Greater Mekong Sub-region and avert the spread of artemisinin resistance. Detecting malaria infection is key to successful malaria elimination and affected communities need to be motivated to participate actively in preventive, curative and screening practices for malaria.

Community engagement and participation are critical strategies in successful malaria control and the elimination of drug-resistant malaria. With support from the RAI grant, Community Partners International (CPI) has been implementing the ‘Border-based Malaria Elimination’ project, which includes health education on malaria prevention to promote community participation in LLIN distribution and community-based directly observed treatment (DOT) of malaria. Through this project, villagers receive LLINs and malaria treatment free of charge and can enjoy healthier lives and improved efficiency at work.

The sustainable engagement of communities in the targeted locations will support and maintain malaria control activities towards the successful reduction of artemisinin resistance in the long term