Rwanda: Partnership for Africa Malaria Day

KIGALI, Rwanda — Africa Malaria Day is commemorated on 25 April every year. A day set aside by African governments committed to rolling back malaria and meeting the United Nations malaria-related Millennium Development Goals, it is an opportunity for the Roll Back Malaria (RBM) Partnership to show solidarity with African countries battling against this scourge by supporting several events and activities around the world.

Rwanda was selected from a number African countries considered by the World Health Organization (WHO) and RBM as the focus country for Africa Malaria Day 2007. With support from PSI and other partners, the Rwandan Ministry of Health is implementing an integrated plan in the lead-up to April 25th, including a media awareness campaign (print and broadcast media, mobile video units at 36 sites), promotional and awareness materials for distribution at regular community events and the launch of Primo, a WHO-approved artemisinin combination malaria treatment.

This year’s theme is “Free Africa from Malaria Now!”
Rwanda’s major accomplishments in the fight against malaria include the distribution of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), long lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs) and artemisinin combination therapy (ACTs) for malaria treatment.

RBM indicators designate that 80% of at-risk populations have insecticide-treated net coverage by 2010. In accordance with this goal, Rwanda’s antimalarial policy calls for the distribution and use of nets to prevent malaria transmission. Rwanda has systems of public and private ITN distribution in place dating from 1996. In 2004, the government began to focus on LLINs, which last four years with no need for retreatment.

In September 2006 a coordinated partnership led by the government of Rwanda resulted in the delivery of 1.4 million LLINs to every Rwandan child aged six months to five years during a week long integrated child survival campaign.
By the end of 2006, net coverage of children under five in Rwanda reached approximately 91%. Coverage amongst pregnant women was an estimated 81%. To complement net coverage for pregnant women, who are markedly at risk of contracting malaria, Rwanda has followed WHO guidelines and aimed to reach the Abuja target of administering intermittent preventive treatment to 60% of pregnant women. IPT involves providing pregnant women with at least two preventive treatment doses of an effective antimalarial drug during routine antenatal clinic visits.

RBM advises that by 2010, 80% of malaria patients should be diagnosed and treated with effective antimalarial medicines within 24 hours of the onset of illness. In 2006 the Government of Rwanda responded with the nationwide distribution of Coartem, a WHO approved ACT. Rwandan health workers in dispensaries and hospitals were trained to ensure the proper distribution and correct usage of the drug.

Also in 2006, Rwanda strengthened its capacity for home-based management of fever by equipping health workers with antimalarials for distribution at the community level. More than 400,000 children under five were treated at the community level in 2006, and over 80% of children with fever visited a health clinic within 24 hours of the onset of fever.

Africa Malaria Day 2007 brings the launch of a pre-packaged ACT branded Primo. The Government of Rwanda is introducing Primo to scale up ACT delivery for malaria treatment through public, private, and community based channels. Pre-packaged treatment plays a key role in improving home-based management of malaria. By combining clear illustrated instructions with an easy-to-use blister pack of appropriate treatment, PPT helps mothers and caregivers treat their child with the correct dose and improve adherence with the full course. Two uniquely branded products Primo Red and Primo Yellow are designated for children aged 6 months through 3 years, and children aged 3 through 5 years, respectively. Easily distinguished packets for the different age groups are used on the packaging to ensure appropriate dosing and daily regimens.

— Carlie Danielson, PSI/Washington

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