The role of community health workers in malaria control in the Philippines.

The barangay health workers (BHWs) or government-trained health volunteers have been operating in rural villages in the Philippines since 1981. Although malaria is a consistently recognized health problem, the BHWs do not contribute optimally to control activities even in endemic areas. This is so because of inadequate training, insufficient logistic support, poorly sustained motivational schemes and lack of community support. Prospects for involvement in malaria control are numerous, however there is need to enhance the existing BHW Program.