Country Results
The Malawi Malaria Behavior Survey was fielded in May through July 2021. Survey results were analyzed in coordination with the National Malaria Control Program and were released in 2023. The survey was carried out by the Breakthrough ACTION project in Malawi in collaboration with the National Malaria Control Program, the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative, and several other local organizations.
Study Zones
Survey Zones and Respondents
Key behaviors at a glance
of caregivers of children under five with fever sought prompt and appropriate care the same day or the next day
Knowledge: Respondents with correct knowledge of malaria care-seeking were 1.6 times more likely to seek prompt and appropriate care.
Response efficacy: About two-thirds of respondents (63%) believed that a blood test is the only way to properly diagnose malaria.
of respondents used a mosquito net every night of the week
Self-efficacy: Respondents were more than twice (2.4 times) as likely to consistently use a net if they felt confident in their ability.
Positive attitudes: Respondents who reported a positive attitude toward the use of ITNs were 1.3 times more likely to sleep under one every night.
of pregnant women received three or more doses of IPTp
Response efficacy: 95% of women perceived that IPTp was efficacious to prevent malaria in pregnancy.
Social norms: 75% and 69% of respondents perceived that at least four ANC visits and the receipt of IPTp were the norm in their community, respectively.