Assessment of Malaria Prevention Knowledge Among Community Health Extension Workers in Taraba State, North East Nigeria

Community health extension workers serve as the frontline interface between health systems and hard-to-reach communities in rural Nigeria, making their knowledge of malaria prevention principles a critical determinant of programme effectiveness. This study assesses malaria prevention knowledge among community health extension workers in Taraba State, North East Nigeria. A cross-sectional professional survey was conducted, enrolling 220 CHEWs from four local government areas including Wukari, Jalingo, Ardo-Kola, and Lau. A validated structured knowledge assessment tool covering malaria transmission, vector biology, prevention methods, case recognition, and treatment guidelines was administered. Knowledge scores were correlated with sociodemographic variables including cadre level, years of service, in-service training history, and presence of a functional health facility supervisor. Literature from 2020 to 2024 identifies significant knowledge heterogeneity among CHEWs across northeastern Nigerian states, with those in remote facilities demonstrating consistently lower scores and reporting fewer continuing education opportunities. This study generates a CHEW knowledge competency profile for Taraba State and identifies the most critical knowledge gaps requiring prioritisation in training programmes. Findings will be communicated to the Taraba State Primary Healthcare Development Agency for revision of in-service training curricula and supervision protocols. Keywords: malaria prevention knowledge, community health extension workers, Taraba State, professional competency, frontline health workers.