Malaria Communication Strategy for Malawi Policy
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Date
2009-11-01
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Malawi Government
Abstract
Malaria is a major public health problem in Malawi. It is the leading cause of morbidity
and mortality in children under five years of age and pregnant women. It is the most
common cause of outpatient visits, hospitalization and death. Malaria is also a
developmental problem as it has a serious socioeconomic impact on families and the
nation, through loss of work, school absenteeism and high levels of expenditures on
treatment.
The government of Malawi through the Ministry of Health and its partners are committed
to controlling malaria in the country. As part of malaria control strategies, the Ministry
has developed several guiding malaria documents one of which is the Malaria
Communication Strategy for Malawi for 2009 to 2015. Using the strategy as a guide,
behaviour change communication will lead to improved community uptake of malaria
control interventions.
The main malaria behaviours that need to be adopted and maintained by individuals,
families and communities, include, among others, Malaria Case Management,
Intermittent Preventive Treatment (IPT) of pregnant women with SP and malaria
prevention with special emphasis on Insecticide Treated Nets/ Long Lasting Insecticide
Treated Nets (ITNs / LLINs) and Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS).
I am hopeful that concerted efforts to implement this malaria communication strategy
with support of global, regional and national partners will enable Malawi to significantly
reduce the health and socioeconomic burden of malaria.