The National Malaria Control Center and partners the Malaria Control and Elimination Partnership in Africa (MACEPA-PATH) embarked on a Mass Drug Administration (MDA) in Southern Province of Zambia. MDA involved administering a malaria treatment for all household members in target communities. Introducing a new drug to community members who are not sick or whose results from the Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) are negative can be challenging and therefore requires a robust communication strategy where community engagement is implemented through interactive platforms. The use of community leaders and existing local structures in mobilizing and sensitization of community members was essential.

MACEPA, working together with the district medical staff devised an interactive methodology of using already existing structures, the Chiefs and their senior headmen to use their web of influence to sensitize their communities on the upcoming mass drug administration (MDA) in their communities. Edutainment methods such as drama, radio jingles and public address systems were used as social mobilization tools. Brochures with content on MDA, benefits of the drugs were developed and translated into the local language for easy assimilation by the community members. Additionally, village meetings provided an opportunity to share experiences and create awareness on the MDA process.

MDA results were compelling with an amazing refusal rate of less than 2% in four rounds from the over 85% of eligible household members receiving treatment. These results can clearly be attributed to the community engagement efforts as demonstrated by the active participation of community members in various activities including village meetings, drama, and radio and chiefs orientations. The use of chiefs in mobilizing communities to participate in MDA was vital for increased acceptability of intervention which also resulted in increased uptake of the new drug used during the MDA program.

Social and behavior communication change (SBCC) was better achieved through very informal platforms such as village meetings where community members assembled and shared their concerns and experiences on the new drug which was being administered in their communities. It is suffice to say that interventions such as mass drug administration on a large scale is feasible for when the influential community leaders show political will which trickles down to their subjects. When communities are well informed about the long term benefits to be accrued, they willingly participate in interventions.