Health Surveillance Assistant (HSA) / Disease Control Surveillance Assistant (DCSA) Interview Questions
and Model Answers - Malawi
1. What is the role of an HSA in Malawi?
HSAs provide basic health care, community education, disease surveillance, and preventive services at
community level. They link communities with health facilities and support national health campaigns.
2. What diseases do you commonly encounter in your community, and how do you handle them?
Common diseases include malaria, diarrhea, and pneumonia. I use iCCM guidelines for early identification
and treatment, educate households on prevention, and refer severe cases to the health facility.
3. How do you manage and report a disease outbreak?
I report cases immediately to my supervisor and complete IDSR forms. I also sensitize the community on
preventive measures and support case detection and contact tracing.
4. What is iCCM and why is it important?
iCCM stands for Integrated Community Case Management. It allows trained HSAs to diagnose and treat
common childhood illnesses at community level, reducing mortality and improving access to care.
5. How do you conduct health education in your community?
I use visual aids, local language, and community gatherings to teach about hygiene, immunization, nutrition,
and disease prevention. I also engage community leaders and VHCs to support messages.
6. How do you ensure proper record keeping and reporting?
I use standard government registers and forms, ensure daily updates, summarize monthly, and submit
reports timely. I maintain confidentiality and accuracy.
7. What do you do when a parent refuses to vaccinate a child?
I respectfully counsel the parent on the importance of vaccines, dispel myths, involve VHCs or chiefs, and
follow up with health education at household level.
8. How do you collaborate with other health workers and partners?
I participate in joint outreach clinics, refer patients appropriately, share reports, attend meetings, and
implement activities coordinated with NGOs and Ministry of Health.
9. What challenges do HSAs face, and how do you overcome them?
Challenges include large catchment areas, stock-outs, and poor infrastructure. I plan my work schedule
effectively, report stock-outs early, and use community support systems.
10. Why do you want to work as an HSA/DCSA?
I have a passion for community health and believe that prevention is better than cure. I want to be part of
improving health outcomes at grassroots level.
Additional Common Questions and Answers:
11. What is your role in a national immunization campaign?
I mobilize communities, track defaulters, maintain cold chain, administer vaccines if trained, and report daily
coverage.
12. How do you maintain cold chain for vaccines?
I store vaccines in proper vaccine carriers with ice packs, monitor temperature twice daily, and record
readings on temperature charts.
13. How do you handle stigma around HIV/AIDS in the community?
I offer confidential counseling, provide accurate information to dispel myths, promote testing, and link clients
to support groups.
14. How do you support maternal and newborn health?
I conduct home visits during pregnancy, encourage facility delivery, educate mothers on danger signs, and
support postnatal care.
15. What do you do if a colleague does not follow health guidelines?
I first talk to them privately to understand and advise, and if needed, I report to my supervisor to ensure
patient safety.
Technical and Scenario-Based Questions and Answers:
16. Describe how you would manage a suspected cholera case in your village.
Isolate the case, provide ORS, disinfect the area, report to the facility immediately, and engage community
for hygiene promotion.
17. What are danger signs in a child with pneumonia?
Fast breathing, chest indrawing, inability to feed, lethargy, and convulsions.
18. How do you measure MUAC and interpret it?
I use a MUAC tape on the left upper arm: green (>12.5cm) is normal, yellow (11.5-12.5cm) is moderate
malnutrition, red (<11.5cm) is severe.
19. How would you report a maternal death in the community?
I notify the health facility immediately, fill the maternal death notification form, and assist with verbal autopsy.
20. What personal qualities are important for an HSA?
Dedication, honesty, good communication skills, community respect, and confidentiality.
21. What motivates you to work as an HSA?
Making a positive impact on community health and being a trusted link between the facility and the people.
22. How do you stay updated with current health practices and protocols?
I attend trainings, read health materials, participate in mentorship sessions, and learn from my peers.
23. Describe a time when you had to deal with a difficult situation in the community. How did you handle it?
A parent refused child vaccination due to rumors. I visited them with a chief and educated them, and
eventually they accepted.
24. Why do you want to work as an HSA/DCSA in Malawi?
I believe in preventive health, I want to serve my community, and this role gives me the opportunity to save
lives and promote wellness.
