An anthropological analysis of the community participatory approach of a malaria elimination trial in The Gambia: determinants for community members’ participation

Community involvement to solve complex health issues is increasingly recognised by health professionals and researchers, as the approach is regarded as both ethical and essential to improve study outcomes. This study will analyse the community participation strategies employed by a malaria elimination project in The Gambia focusing on household-based reactive case detection and management. More specifically, this study will investigate community members’ reasons for participating in the community participation strategies in the context of unequal power dynamics between structurally impoverished communities and large consortia of international research institutes. The research will provide new insights into community participation, its relevance for communities, and will contribute to new models for community participation for future health interventions that involve communities.