To Setou’s relief, the test was negative for malaria.

After further diagnosis, Founèba determined that the fever was related to diarrhea, which can also be dangerous for young children when untreated. She gave Setou hydration tablets and guidance to help Fousseiny recover quickly. 

“I am thankful for this care,” said Setou. “Founèba’s arrival in Wouloufiena has been a great relief for the community, especially parents. Before her, we had to travel 12 miles to the Tingolé health facility. And if our children got sick at night, we had no immediate care.”

In countries such as Mali, where community-based malaria care is part of an integrated package of services that include pneumonia and diarrhea, PMI supported training and supervision for nearly 4,000 Malian community health workers in 2022, strengthening the delivery of primary and frontline health care overall. 

Investments in community health workers, along with other malaria prevention tools — such as insecticide-treated nets and preventive medicines — have contributed to an almost 50% drop in all-cause mortality rates of children under 5 years of age since PMI was launched in Mali in 2008.

Founèba also hosts group health education events to share information and answer questions. 

“The educational forums I conduct help many understand the importance of seeking health care early, participating in seasonal malaria prevention campaigns, and proper use of bed nets,” she explained.

“I’ve noticed that children who take anti-malarial medication during the seasonal campaigns and regularly use bed nets hardly ever need to come for treatment.”

Founèba is hopeful for a malaria-free Mali in her lifetime where children grow up without fearing a mosquito bite. 

She and nearly 4,000 other Malian community health workers are on the frontlines of fighting malaria — and other illnesses that cut short young lives. They are crucial to achieving a brighter future for their country.