FLEP Malaria Reduction Interventions June 2025

Family Life education Programme have sent us the following update on their work with the Community Malaria Eradication Project

Participants engaging with malaria drivers during a community dialogue

Houshold visits:

298 household follow up visits were undertaken.   It was encouraging to find that many families had put the agreed action plans in place from the 5 key malaria reduction indicators. Many also pledged to keep raising awareness at community gatherings.  All family members were present so that Malaria control becomes a shared responsibility.

Community meetings:

2 community dialogue meetings were held. 26 men and 64 women attended these, which is an increase on last month. 94% of participants were tested and treated for Malaria. Of 14 pregnant mothers 9 were positive. The importance of early Ante-natal clinic visits and sleeping under treated nets were stressed. Other key messages included: the correct use of nets; clearing stagnant water, digging drainages and making soak pits; planting mosquito repellent plants; changes in attitudes and behaviour; using old nets to cover ventilators.

Checking progress on agreed action points (photo shows a mosquito repellent plant)

Village Health teams (VHT):

The Village Health teams worked hard to collect accurate data and had regular follow ups to ensure good service delivery. They delivered malaria messages to households, especially during routine immunisation outreaches which is important for sustainability. All 10 VHT’s (7 men and 3 women) were paid allowances for June. Weekly staff meetings were held.

These were some of the challenges and proposed solutions:

• There was a high demand for Mosquito nets. More will be needed.

• There is an increase in the demand for test and treat outreaches.

• There is a lack of mosquito repellent plants. It was suggested to source seedlings from those households who have the plants.

• There was some resistance to mind-set change, so more sessions will be needed to follow-up.

• There was a shortage of old nets to cover ventilators. The VHT’s will help households to find alternatives.

Plan for July:

• Follow up visits for all 300 households to continue.

• Two test and treat dialogues on malaria prevention and support immunisation outreach for vaccination of children from 6 to 18 months.

• Continued mentorship of VHT’s

• Meetings with head teachers to plan school-based interventions.

• Distribute more treated mosquito nets to families in need who will commit to malaria prevention actions.