PHM-Exch> Malaria control: Health system strengthening is key for progress (posted on World Malaria Day)

[MMI Executive Secretariat]

Malaria continues to be a major threat for health and development in endemic
countries. Sub-Saharan Africa is hardest hit by the disease. 91% of all
malaria-related deaths occur in that region, where malaria is the leading
cause of death for children under five. 

Despite progress targets were not reached

Six years ago the World Health Assembly established the goal to half the
numbers of malaria cases and deaths recorded in 2000 by the end of 2010 and
by 75% or more by 2015. 781,000 persons died of malaria worldwide in 2009
compared to about one million in 2000. That means a reduction of about 20%,
which could only be achieved through a vast increase in international
funding for malaria control. Nevertheless, the 2010 goal was not achieved.
Global estimates indicate that USD 5.1 billion are needed each year to fully
fund the fight against malaria, but only USD 1.5 billion were disbursed in
2009. In view of this financing gap global efforts need to be intensified
instantly in order to achieve the established targets. 

But more funding alone is not the solution of the problem

Today, malaria can be prevented, diagnosed and treated with a combination of
available tools. Insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITN), Intermittent
Preventive Treatment (IPT) for pregnant women and other vector control
methods as well as awareness raising activities for affected populations are
proven tools of malaria prevention. Laboratory-based diagnosis for all
suspected cases of malaria is an essential tool to control the disease and
avoiding maltreatment. Artemisinin Combination Therapies (ACTs) are
presently the most effective medicines for treating uncomplicated malaria.
In order to avoid resistance strains it is critical that ACTs are
administered to confirmed malaria cases only and patients complete the full
treatment course. But all these tools need to be available for the affected
population. However, accessibility, acceptability and affordability of these
interventions still remain problems in endemic countries.

>From disease control to health system strengthening!

Therefore, the international community should refocus its efforts from
disease-specific programmes towards strengthening of local health systems.
Only with a functioning and locally accepted health infrastructure in place,
access to prevention, diagnosis and treatment of malaria can be ensured for
all people in need. In this context it is essential, that commodities
including medicines and qualified health personnel match the needs, clinics
and health centres are reachable and treatment is affordable for patients.
Interventions aiming at improving use rates of general health services
combined with improvement of professional case management and a proven set
of malaria control measures will have a much deeper impact on cure rates
than malaria interventions on their own. Strengthening local health systems
therefore significantly contributes to reduce the malaria burden, offering a
viable and sustainable option for development at the same time.

Antje Mangelsdorf, action medeor  STOP MALARIA NOW!
 <mailto:Antje.Mangelsdorf at medeor.de> Antje.Mangelsdorf at medeor.de 
<http://www.stopmalarianow.org> www.stopmalarianow.org

First published as editorial in: 
MMI Network News, April 2011
http://bit.ly/i5UYe4 

25 April is World Malaria Day:
 <http://www.worldmalariaday.org/home_en.cfm> www.worldmalariaday.org

 

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