The CASCADED Under Five Free Malaria Programme is DASH Foundation’s flagship initiative aimed at reducing malaria related illness and deaths among infants and children under five years of age.
The programme takes a holistic approach by strengthening health services, promoting prevention and engaging communities to address the wider factors that affect child health.
Through this programme, DASH Foundation targets 1,000 children by the end of 2027, while also supporting adolescents, youth, expectant mothers and families. The following projects and activities are implemented under the CASCADED Programme.
Distribution and Promotion of Malaria Prevention Tools
Under the CASCADED Programme, DASH Foundation supports the distribution and proper use of malaria prevention tools for households with children under five and expectant mothers. This includes promoting the correct use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets and other preventive measures at household level.
Health workers and Village Health Teams educate families on how malaria is transmitted, the importance of sleeping under treated nets every night and keeping living spaces clean to reduce mosquito breeding. Through strengthening prevention practices in homes, the programme reduces malaria infection rates among young children and pregnant women.
HIV Testing and Counselling for Adolescents, Youth, Expectant Mothers and the General Public
Under the CASCADED Programme, DASH Foundation provides free and confidential HIV testing and counselling services at its Health Centre III and through community-based activities. These services support early detection, prevention and treatment, which are essential for protecting maternal and child health.
Expectant mothers are encouraged to know their HIV status early to reduce the risk of mother to child transmission. Adolescents and youth receive age appropriate counselling that promotes safe behaviour and informed decision making.
Through strengthening HIV prevention and care, the programme contributes to healthier families and improved survival outcomes for children under five.
Condom Distribution for Both Male and Female Youth
Condom distribution is a key prevention activity within the CASCADED Programme. DASH Foundation provides free male and female condoms to adolescents and young people in need, alongside education on correct and consistent use.
This intervention helps reduce the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, prevent unplanned pregnancies and promote responsible behaviour. Through supporting youth health and wellbeing, the programme reduces risks that can negatively affect maternal health and child survival, including complications during pregnancy and early childhood.
Community Outreach Through Village Health Teams (VHTs)
Community outreach is delivered through strong local networks, including Village Health Teams (VHTs). These trusted community members play a vital role in health education, early identification of illness and referral to health facilities.
Under the CASCADED Programme, VHTs support malaria prevention, early treatment seeking behaviour and follow-up of households with children under five. They also help raise awareness on HIV prevention, hygiene and maternal health. This community-based approach ensures services reach vulnerable families, especially those living far from health facilities.
Under Five Malaria Prevention and Early Treatment Services
A core component of the CASCADED Programme is malaria prevention and early treatment for children under five years of age. DASH Foundation supports caregivers with information on malaria symptoms, prevention methods and the importance of early testing and treatment.
Children presenting with fever are encouraged to seek prompt care at the Health Centre III or through referrals made by VHTs. Early diagnosis and treatment help prevent severe complications and reduce malaria-related deaths among young children.
Health Education for Mothers and Caregivers
DASH Foundation provides regular health education sessions for mothers, expectant women and caregivers as part of the CASCADED Programme. These sessions focus on malaria prevention, nutrition, hygiene, immunisation and child care practices.
Through equipping caregivers with accurate and practical information, the programme strengthens household-level health practices. Improved knowledge among parents and caregivers plays a key role in protecting children under five from preventable diseases and complications.
Behaviour Change Communication and Community Awareness Campaigns
The CASCADED Programme uses Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) to promote positive health behaviours at community level. DASH Foundation develops and distributes easy-to-understand materials on malaria prevention, HIV awareness, sanitation and maternal health.
Community meetings, group discussions and outreach activities help reinforce key messages. These campaigns aim to change harmful practices, reduce stigma and encourage communities to adopt healthier lifestyles that support child survival and overall wellbeing.
Referral and Follow Up for Vulnerable Children and Families
DASH Foundation supports referral and follow up services for children under five and vulnerable families identified through community outreach or health facility visits. When specialised care is needed, clients are referred to higher level health facilities.
Follow-up visits help ensure children complete treatment and caregivers understand ongoing care needs. This continuity of care strengthens health outcomes and reduces the risk of complications related to malaria and other preventable illnesses.
Health Monitoring, Data Collection and Programme Learning
DASH Foundation integrates monitoring and data collection into all CASCADED Programme activities to ensure quality service delivery and continuous improvement. Health workers and community volunteers collect basic data on service uptake, malaria cases, referrals and follow up outcomes.
This information helps the organisation track progress towards reaching 1,000 children by 2027, identify gaps in service delivery and adjust interventions as needed. Programme learning and regular review strengthen accountability, improve effectiveness and support evidence based decision making for future child health interventions.

