Monitoring The Accelerated Implementation of Malaria Control in the African Region Workshop in Windhoek, Namibia 25-26 August 1997, 26/08/97

On the request of the Ministers of Health in the African Region, the Director General of WHO has made available an amount of US$9 million for accelerated malaria control in the African Region.  The twenty-one countries that were given this money to accelerate the implementation of malaria control in 1997 met at the above mentioned workshop in Windhoek, Namibia from 25-26 August 1997.  The objectives of the workshop were to:

1. Analyse the status of the implementation of the 1997 accelerated malaria control programme in the twenty-one countries.

2. Strengthen capacity for programme monitoring/evaluation and plan the mid-term review of the programme implementation in October 1997.

The workshop was attended by 34 participants including Programme Managers and Policy Makers from the Ministry of Health.  There were also participation from the representatives of the African countries in EMRO that are also benefiting from one million US$ to accelerate malaria control programme implementation in their respective countries.  The workshop was opened by the Hon. Minister of Health and Social Services of Namibia, Dr Libertina Amalthila and coordinated by the Regional Director, Dr Ebrahim Samba.

Each country presented the status of the programme implementation focusing on activities planned, achievements constraints and disbursement of funds allocated to them.

The activities planned were grouped under the following interventions:

1. Improved case management at the peripheral health facilities and at home/community level.

2. Promotion of the use of Insecticide Impregnated bed nets and other vector control activities.

3. Early detection, prevention and control of malaria epidemics.

4. Improved Programme Management/Strengthen Health Information Systems.

5. Strengthen social mobilization for sustainable malaria control.

The achievements made so far could be summarized as follows:

1. Countries have developed Malaria control policies, diagnosis and treatment guidelines and IEC materials.  Health workers including laboratory personnel, community health workers, Traditional Birth Attendants and traditional healers have been trained and supervision of their activities planned.  Antimalarial drugs, microscopes, laboratory reagents and supplies have been provided to improve case management.

2. Demands for the use of insecticide impregnated bed net is being created through community sensitization and continuous health education activities.

3. Plans for epidemic preparedness and containment have been developed, and disease surveillance is being strengthened for early detection of malaria epidemics.

4. Political leaders, Ministry of Health officials, community leaders and communities have been sensitized for sustainable malaria control in the respective countries.

5. Capacity of national teams in planning, monitoring and evaluation of malaria control activities has been improved.  Logistic support like computers, photocopiers and vehicles have been procured for the countries.

The level of the implementation of this accelerated malaria control in some of the countries has increased interest and attracted support from partners like DFID, USAID, The World Bank and many others.  The OAU Assembly of Heads of States and Governments has also pledged their support for malaria control in Africa by the Harare Declaration on Malaria Prevention and Control in the Context of African Economic Recovery and Development.

The constraints in programme implementation were discussed and solutions agreed upon to ensure smooth implementation of planned activities.  A plan for the midterm review of the programme has also been prepared and a time table for the review drawn.

A committee made up of participants has been formed to address the problem of the availability of bed net and chemicals which was one of the major constraints.

The Regional Director has commited the Organisation to increase technical  support to the Countries as needed.

In conclusion, the accelerated implementation of the malaria  control activities in the 21 countries has gained momentum and all countries expect to accomplish the implementation of the planned activities before December 1997.

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