Fighting malaria

The project aimed to ensure that nomadic populations had access to accurate knowledge about and greater awareness of malaria, as well as equipping them with the means to both prevent and treat the disease. A special focus was put on children under five and pregnant women, particularly vulnerable to malaria, due to immature and reduced immunity.

The program supported the training of 240 mother coordinators as volunteers to carry out malaria prevention and treatment education in their respective villages. Traditional leaders were also trained, ensuring lasting behaviour changes, together with formal health care providers, in collaboration with the district Ministry of Health. Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) were distributed with an emphasis on children under five and pregnant women. Partnerships were established with country-based organisations within the Afar region, which were encouraged to mainstream malaria prevention activities into their existing project activities.

African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF) is an international African organisation with its headquarters in Nairobi Kenya since 1957, and over 50 years of experience in health care development. Its mission is to ensure good health for the most vulnerable and marginalised populations in Africa.