Adopting the primary health care approach in malaria control in Malaysia: lessons in community participation.
The Primary Health Care approach in Malaysia was first tried out in Sarawak, East Malaysia in 1982. In 1984, the Vector Borne Disease Control Program, Kelantan decided to adopt the Primary Health Care approach as an additional strategy in its effort to control malaria in the state, which then experienced an increase in malaria cases. Much effort was directed at creating the awareness and stimulating the interest of health staff and communities to adopt the strategy. Kelantan was made the model state. The paper gives an outline of the process involved and some characteristics of PHC workers. A study was carried out among health workers, community members and health staff on their knowledge and involvement in PHC in three states, including Kelantan. In view of the overall success of this approach, and the weaknesses which have been identified possible solutions have been suggested and should be acted upon.
Riji
H M
HM
Division of Behavioural Research, Institute for Medical Research, Jalan Pahang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
D003140:Communicable Disease Control / Q000379:methods; D003153:Community Health Services; D003256:Community Participation; D006801:Humans; D008288:Malaria / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008296:Malaysia; D009313:National Health Programs; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D014838:Volunteers