Health & Nutrition

On a chilly June morning in 2019, 36-year-old Euni Sinyangwe was awakened by a faint knock from her daughter. Ten-year-old Monica, usually full of energy, was in pain—her head ached, her stomach churned, and she was drenched in sweat despite the cold.

Monica’s condition worsened rapidly. She refused food, slept throughout the day, and her fever persisted, worrying the entire family. Euni’s first line of defense—local herbs—offered no relief. As her daughter’s condition deteriorated, Euni had to pause her small income-generating odd jobs to care for her.

Help came when a neighbor recognized the telltale signs of malaria and advised them to contact the local Malaria Control Agent (MCA), trained by ChildFund Zambia. The MCA, also a community health volunteer, arrived quickly. A rapid diagnostic test confirmed Monica had malaria.

Thanks to ChildFund’s malaria prevention program in Luangwa, Monica received immediate assistance and was taken to the nearest health facility, where treatment began without delay. She made a full recovery.
“I have now fully recovered, and I do not want to get sick again,” Monica shared. “I get worried when I see mosquito bites on my skin. I’ll be very happy if my parents can buy a blanket to cover me at night.”

ChildFund’s Community-Based Approach to Malaria Control

Malaria remains one of Zambia’s deadliest diseases, especially in rural areas like Luangwa, where access to healthcare is limited. To combat this, ChildFund Zambia has launched an integrated, community-driven malaria control initiative.
By training Malaria Control Agents—volunteers from the communities they serve—ChildFund ensures families can recognize symptoms early, access rapid testing, and receive life-saving treatment without delay.,

“Fighting malaria is not just about distributing nets. It’s about building knowledge and resilience within communities,” said Dereje Adugna, Country Director of ChildFund Zambia. “Our model empowers families to identify danger signs early and take timely action. Monica’s story is just one example of how a simple intervention can save a life.”

Education, Prevention, and Empowerment

After Monica’s recovery, Euni and her husband became active participants in their community’s malaria prevention efforts. With guidance from their local MCA, they began clearing stagnant water around their home and monitoring their children closely for signs of illness.

Despite the progress, Euni still dreams of owning mosquito nets for all five of her children. Access to basic malaria prevention tools like insecticide-treated nets remains a pressing need for many families in Luangwa.

A Brighter Future for Monica

Now back in school and thriving in Grade 4, Monica has big dreams. “I want to be a nurse when I finish school,” she says with a smile. Her experience with malaria left a lasting impression—fueling her desire to one day help others the way she was helped.ChildFund continues its work in malaria-prone areas like Luangwa, strengthening local health systems and investing in education, prevention, and community resilience.

“Every child deserves to grow up healthy and reach their full potential,” said Dereje. “By working with communities, training local agents, and putting knowledge and tools in the hands of families, we’re making that possible—one child, one household at a time.”
So far, over 500 community members have been trained as Malaria Control Agents through ChildFund’s partnership with the Luangwa District Health Management Team.