Fronica’s efforts to end Malaria in Her Community

In the Moraku Community Unit of Nyamira County, a remarkable beacon of transformation emerges in the person of Fronica Magoma Swanya. At 48 years old, and a mother of five, Fronica serves as a Community Health Promoter (CHP) with an impressive record of 32 years of dedicated service. She takes the lead in the battle against malaria in Nyamira County, displaying unwavering determination and inspiring her entire community with her resolve to combat this mosquito-borne disease.

A community health promoter administers a malaria test.

Fronica Swanya (on the left) tests Rhoda Kwamboka (on the right) for malaria during a home visit.

As a CHP, she plays a pivotal role in implementing Community Case Management of malaria (CCMm). Her primary duties include testing all suspected malaria cases and treating positive cases through home visits. She ensures that expectant mothers are linked with health facilities where they can receive malaria preventive drugs during their ANC visits. Her approach addresses the needs of the most vulnerable members of the community and reflects her commitment to holistic malaria prevention.

“We leave no stone unturned in the fight against Malaria,” she explains. “We test, treat, and educate the community.” She focuses on every aspect of intervention, from early detection and treatment to empowering the local population with the knowledge they need to protect themselves. Together with other CHPs, she strives to create a world where malaria is no longer a threat to anyone.

Fronica’s task is arduous, but it is undeniably essential. Fronica reaches an impressive 250 people every month. But what happens when she encounters resistance or skepticism from her community members? Fronica responds with a blend of education and empathy, aimed at building trust and awareness.

“I give health talks to promote social behavior change. While conducting house visits, I encourage people who do not believe in the rapid test results to visit a nearby health facility for a checkup.”

A community health promoter provides counsel for a mother in her community unit.

In her vision for a more effective fight against malaria, Fronica hopes for increased government intervention.

“I hope that the government will scale up the distribution of insecticide treated bed nets to the community to reduce cases of malaria. We also request tools that can be used for data collection at the community level,” she says.

Fronica’s meticulous record-keeping ensures that her community’s progress is consistently tracked and shared with the facility which her Community Unit is linked to, thus creating a network of data and care. CMMB’s role in supporting CHPs like Fronica is crucial, providing essential training, resources, and transport, enabling these community heroes to reach more people and be more effective.

Fronica stands as a testament to the power of compassion and unwavering commitment. Her story is one of resilience, hope, and lives saved. In Nyamira, they call her a hero, and rightly so. Fronica, along with her fellow CHPs, are the unsung heroes winning the fight against Malaria in Nyamira County.