Community-based malaria prevention in Zimbabwe

A three-year project, starting in January 2007, aims to reduce deaths caused by malaria in six districts of Zimbabwe through training, education and provision of resources to communities.

The project presents an integrated programme of malaria prevention, diagnosis, treatment and control, to be implemented within the framework of the National Strategic Plan for Roll Back Malaria.

There will be a focus on training and resourcing existing health structures, strengthening community groups, developing information, education and communication materials with children and communities, vector control, and production and distribution of insecticide treated nets (ITNs).

It will reach over 235,000 households, with an estimated population of 323,000 women over 15 years of age and 474,000 boys and girls below 15 years of age, who are most susceptible to malaria and currently have very limited access to integrated malaria prevention and care services.

As well as addressing the disease, the project is expected to enable community members to take a lead in decision making on issues that affect their lives. Women and youth groups will also be supported to improve their incomes through producing and marketing ITNs.

There is a high level of community participation in the implementation of the project, promoting sustainability and local ownership.

The project aims to provide sustainable responses to the needs of the target groups, through:

• training on Malaria prevention and control issues
• targeted inputs to start up small scale ITN production and marketing 
• increasing access to accurate diagnosis and correct treatment – e.g. Malaria testing kits for Rural Health Centres
• timely and appropriate detection and control of Malaria outbreaks together with technical support for data analysis and in-service training on spraying
• strengthening or establishing Community Malaria Committees (CMCs)

It will also effectively utilise existing resources and provide the opportunities to build on these through sharing information and expanding on best practices, by strengthening or establishing District level Malaria Committees for planning and co-ordination, and ensuring District representatives attend national level meetings.