03/04/2026
Targeted Community Outreach and Mobilization Campaign on Malaria Prevention in Kicukiro District
From March 31st to April 2nd, 2026, Strive Foundation Rwanda (SFR), in collaboration with and , successfully implemented a targeted community outreach and mobilization campaign on malaria prevention across Gahanga, Kanombe, and Masaka sectors in Kicukiro District. The campaign aimed to bring essential health services closer to communities and strengthen awareness and practices related to malaria prevention and treatment, particularly in identified hotspot areas.
The campaign was officially launched on March 31st, 2026, in Kagasa Cell, Gahanga Sector, one of the areas most affected by malaria. The launch event was conducted in partnership with the Vice Mayor in charge of Economic Development Affairs (Deputy District Executive Administrator (DDEA) of Kicukiro District and the Social and Behaviour Change Advisor (SBC Advisor) from Jhpiego. It marked the beginning of a strategic, community-centered intervention designed to enhance knowledge, promote preventive behaviors, and improve early treatment-seeking practices.
During the first day, a total of 587 community members participated, including 180 men and 407 women, reflecting strong community engagement and a growing commitment to malaria prevention efforts. The outreach featured comprehensive health education sessions delivered by healthcare providers and implementing partners. Key focus areas included the consistent use of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs), introduction to the Multiple First-line Treatment (MFT) approach and its benefits, the importance of seeking early medical care when experiencing fever, and maintaining environmental hygiene to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.
The sessions were highly interactive, allowing community members to ask questions, clarify doubts, and address misconceptions about malaria. Observations from the field indicated strong participation, particularly among women, and a high level of interest and willingness to adopt recommended practices. These engagements underscored the importance of sustained community outreach in driving behavioral change and improving health outcomes.
Following the successful launch, the campaign continued on April 1, 2026, in Busanza Cell, Kanombe Sector, and concluded on April 2, 2026, covering additional areas including Masaka Sector. The closing phase of the campaign was attended by senior leadership, including the Strive Foundation Rwanda Executive Director-Mr Muramira Bernard and officials from the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), demonstrating high-level commitment to malaria prevention initiatives.
Across the three days, the campaign reached a total of direct 598 participants through intensified community sensitization in hotspot areas. Emphasis remained on preventive measures such as proper LLIN use, environmental management, and awareness of multiple first-line treatment options. In recognition of exemplary local efforts, 17 community leaders were awarded LLINs for achieving 100 percent Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) coverage in their respective areas.
Generally, the campaign significantly strengthened community knowledge, encouraged positive behavioral change, and reinforced the importance of collective action in combating malaria. The success of this initiative highlights the effectiveness of coordinated partnerships and community-driven approaches in reducing malaria risks and improving public health in Kicukiro District