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Leveraging Stakeholder Engagement for Adolescent School Journeys in Malawi: An Exploration of Road Safety and Air Pollution Interventions

Author

Listed:
  • Dennis Mazingi

    (The George Institute for Global Health UK, London W12 7RZ, UK)

  • Prasanthi Puvanachandra

    (The George Institute for Global Health UK, London W12 7RZ, UK
    School of Public Health, Imperial College, London W12 0BZ, UK
    School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia)

  • Alejandra Piragauta

    (The George Institute for Global Health UK, London W12 7RZ, UK)

  • Bosco Exson Chinkonda

    (Department of Community and Environmental Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Chichiri, Blantyre 3, Malawi)

  • Monica Nzanga

    (Department of Community and Environmental Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Chichiri, Blantyre 3, Malawi)

  • Linda Chokotho

    (School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia)

  • Margaret Mary Peden

    (The George Institute for Global Health UK, London W12 7RZ, UK
    School of Public Health, Imperial College, London W12 0BZ, UK
    Department of Community and Environmental Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Chichiri, Blantyre 3, Malawi)

Abstract

Road traffic injuries (RTIs) and air pollution present dual burdens that disproportionately affect school-going children in low-income urban settings like Malawi. Despite availability of evidence-based interventions, their implementation often overlooks local contexts and perspectives. This study aimed to elicit stakeholder input on interventions addressing RTIs and air pollution exposure among children in urban Blantyre through stakeholder engagement. It used a mixed method Delphi technique combining expert consultations with community focus groups to achieve consensus on interventions. Successive rounds of prioritization and qualitative discussions explored contextual barriers and facilitators to implementation. Stakeholders identified 40 interventions, 23 for road safety and 17 for air pollution. Measures prioritized by experts included speed limit enforcement, pedestrian infrastructure improvements, and emission controls. Contextual barriers identified by experts and the community included socio-political and financial constraints. Community perspectives emphasized behavioral interventions, while experts highlighted systemic and legislative changes. The study underscored the value of combining expert and community perspectives to design context-sensitive interventions. Synergies between road safety and air pollution interventions offer opportunities for dual benefits but require careful adaptation to urban Malawi’s realities. This study provides a model for participatory design in low-income settings, emphasizing stakeholder engagement for tailored solutions.

Suggested Citation

  • Dennis Mazingi & Prasanthi Puvanachandra & Alejandra Piragauta & Bosco Exson Chinkonda & Monica Nzanga & Linda Chokotho & Margaret Mary Peden, 2025. "Leveraging Stakeholder Engagement for Adolescent School Journeys in Malawi: An Exploration of Road Safety and Air Pollution Interventions," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(5), pages 1-17, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:5:p:758-:d:1653933
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Bosco Chinkonda & Alejandra Piragauta & Dennis Mazingi & Linda Chokotho & Monica Nzanga & Steve Manyozo & Prasanthi Puvanachandra & Margaret Peden, 2024. "Parents’ and Teachers’ Perceptions of Risks Associated with Children’s Walks to School in Blantyre, Malawi," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(11), pages 1-13, November.
    2. Emmanuel Bonnet & Lucie Lechat & Valéry Ridde, 2018. "What interventions are required to reduce road traffic injuries in Africa? A scoping review of the literature," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 13(11), pages 1-20, November.
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