The Comoros national malaria program, or Pnlp, has set a goal to protect 568,464 people in 85,819 households from malaria by distributing insecticide-treated bed nets. The program, led by Dr. Youssouf Amina, aims to provide long-lasting insecticidal nets to vulnerable populations. According to Dr. Amina, the program's terms of reference outline specific objectives for protecting populations through the distribution of these nets.
The campaign involves distributing insecticide-treated bed nets in different islands of Comoros. As of September 15, 66,086 nets had been distributed in Mwali, while 50,361 nets were distributed in Ndzuani, including in Pomoni. To ensure the nets reach difficult-to-access areas, the Pnlp has planned various logistical arrangements, including renting boats, speedboats, and trucks to transport the nets to different distribution sites.
The Pnlp is partnering with regional health directors and civil society organizations to implement the campaign. In addition to distributing the nets, the program aims to raise awareness and promote their effective use by households. Local mobilizers will be deployed to the field and will receive training to enhance their skills. Sensitization sessions will also be organized in villages through partner associations.
The program will use public and private media, as well as social media, to promote the use of insecticide-treated bed nets. However, Dr. Amina notes that the success of the campaign cannot be measured solely by the distribution of nets. She emphasizes that household surveys will be crucial in evaluating the program's success.
Two surveys are planned to assess the program's impact. A rapid survey will be conducted immediately after the campaign, followed by a post-campaign survey three to six months later. These evaluations will measure several indicators, including the percentage of households possessing insecticide-treated bed nets, their usage rate, and coverage rate.
The surveys will also assess the use of nets by vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women and children under five, as well as access to the nets within households. The program's goal is to go beyond mere distribution and verify that the nets are reaching targeted households and being used correctly by populations exposed to malaria.
By conducting these surveys, the Pnlp aims to ensure that the distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets is effective in reducing malaria cases in Comoros. The program's efforts to promote the use of these nets and monitor their impact will be critical in achieving this goal and ultimately reducing the burden of malaria in the country.
Key points
- The Comoros national malaria program aims to protect 568,464 people with insecticide-treated bed nets.
- Two surveys are planned to assess the program's impact and ensure effective use of the nets.
- The program is partnering with regional health directors and civil society organizations to implement the campaign.
