Welcome to the Southern Africa Malaria Control

Angola launched the "Caravan of Life" initiative to sensitise and mobilize the Angolan population on the need of taking precautions against malaria. The Caravan of Life initiative among other activities highlighted the importance of malaria prevention and at the same time promoted the use of impregnated mosquito nets to vulnerable groups (pregnant women and children). The “Caravan of life” initiative was also used to mobilize resources to assist in the delivery of malaria interventions. The prevailing conditions in Angola offered opportunities for the free circulation of people and goods. The initiative consisted of a convoy of vehicles which transported medicines, mosquito nets, insecticides, computers, communication equipment and vehicles for the purpose of facilitating the workers' in the malaria affected areas to fight malaria. The Caravan of life took off from Luanda from the 3rd of March and travelled through Sumbe, Bie, Bengeula and Huambo Provinces and ending on the 11th of March 2003. In Angola malaria is the major public health problem and the primary cause of morbidity and mortality. Malaria is endemic, ranging from hyper-endemic in the north and along the coastal-low lands to meso-endemic and hypo-endemic in the central high lands and the south. Annually 1.4-2 million clinical cases and about 11,000 malaria deaths are reported. Malaria accounts for 35% of overall mortality in children and 25% of overall maternal mortality and is the cause of 60% of hospital admission of children under five years and 10% of pregnant women. The principal partners who participated in the Caravan of life were the Ministry of Health and Social Services, World Health Organisation Country Office for Angola, United Nations Childrens Fund, PAM, USAID, and National and International Non Governmental Organisations. The initiative was sponsored by private companies, United Nations Agencies, Diplomatic Missions and was carried out in partnership with news agencies, local authorities, theatre groups and various other traditional groups in the areas where the convoy passed through. The total number of participants in the “Caravan of Life" convoy were about 100 and the caravan drew large crowds in the areas where the convoy passed through. A lot of advocacy activities were conducted during the handover ceremonies (of the medicines and equipment delivered) and receptions in the various towns and cities. Traditional groups performed role-plays and drama to different community groups in each of the provinces . A lot of advocacy materials for different health conditions were developed and distributed to different target groups used . Other additional materials like umbrellas, boots and raincoats were given to individuals and family members. The initiative was widely covered in the Angolan Media. Click Here For More Pictures from the Caravan of Life Initiative