Main Objectives of the Field Trip:

• Identify the reasons why some clinics and pharmacies do not perform malaria tests or submit reports.
• Provide refresher training for private healthcare facilities on rapid malaria testing and reporting procedures.
• Assess the role of Commune Health Stations (CHS) in malaria prevention and control (MPC).
• Strengthen collaboration between CHS and private healthcare providers (PHP).
• Distribute additional medical supplies to private healthcare facilities participating in the project.

Key Findings:

• Testing and Reporting Situation: Malaria cases in Bình Phước significantly declined in 2024 (only one reported case), leading to a reduction in testing by private healthcare providers. Some facilities also failed to submit reports due to the reporting period coinciding with the Tet holiday or the absence of malaria cases.
• Training and Support: The field team conducted refresher training sessions for newly participating private healthcare facilities, guiding them on how to perform rapid malaria tests and correctly fill out reports.
• Enhancing Coordination Between CHS and PHP: The visit identified discrepancies in reports between CHS and PHP and facilitated discussions to improve data consistency and accuracy.
• Distribution of Medical Supplies: Sixty private healthcare facilities received additional support, including rapid test kits, face masks, gloves, and hand sanitizers, to enhance malaria prevention efforts.

Conclusion

The field trip in Bình Phước provided valuable insights into the challenges faced by private healthcare facilities in conducting malaria tests and reporting. It also enabled the implementation of timely solutions to enhance disease surveillance effectiveness. Training, medical supply support, and strengthened coordination between CHS and PHP will help maintain malaria control activities and prevent the disease from resurging.

Images from the Field Visit: