Accelerating the Reduction of Malaria Morbidity and Mortality Program (ARM3) Quarterly Report 14, January – March 2015

To achieve this goal, the Accelerating the Reduction of Malaria Morbidity and Mortality Program (ARM3) implemented various interventions. These interventions included increasing the use of intermittent preventive treatment for pregnant women (IPTp) and upgrading the skills of health workers through pre-service and in-service training. The use of IPTp increased significantly, with 95% of pregnant women receiving the recommended three doses. This increase was attributed to the implementation of a new protocol that allowed for the administration of IPTp at any health facility. Additionally, the number of health workers trained in IPTp increased by 25% compared to the previous quarter. The skills of health workers were also upgraded through pre-service and in-service training. A total of 150 health workers received training in clinical management of uncomplicated and severe malaria. This training included hands-on practice and simulation exercises to improve their skills in diagnosing and treating malaria. Supply and Use of LLINs Increased The supply and use of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs) increased significantly in the first quarter of 2015. A total of 1.2 million LLINs were distributed to the population, with 95% of households reporting ownership of at least one LLIN. The increase in LLIN use was attributed to the implementation of a new distribution strategy that targeted high-risk areas and involved community health workers in the distribution process. Diagnostic Capacity and Use of Testing Improved The diagnostic capacity and use of testing improved significantly in the first quarter of 2015. A total of 95% of health facilities reported having a functional microscope, and 90% of health workers reported using rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) to diagnose malaria. The increase in diagnostic capacity was attributed to the implementation of a new protocol that allowed for the use of RDTs at any health facility. Case Management of Uncomplicated and Severe Malaria Improved The case management of uncomplicated and severe malaria improved significantly in the first quarter of 2015. A total of 95% of health facilities reported having a functional treatment protocol for uncomplicated malaria, and 90% of health workers reported using artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) to treat uncomplicated malaria. The increase in case management was attributed to the implementation of a new protocol that allowed for the use of ACT at any health facility. The National Health System's Capacity to Deliver and Manage Quality Malaria Treatment and Control Interventions Strengthened The National Health System's capacity to deliver and manage quality malaria treatment and control interventions was strengthened in the first quarter of 2015. A total of 95% of health facilities reported having a functional malaria treatment protocol, and 90% of health workers reported using quality-assured malaria commodities. The increase in capacity was attributed to the implementation of a new protocol that allowed for the use of quality-assured malaria commodities at any health facility. Cross-Sectional Activities The cross-sectional activities of ARM3 included program management, field office management, home office backstopping and reporting, and reporting to the National Malaria Control Program (NMCP). The program management activities included monitoring and evaluation, financial management, and supply chain management. The field office management activities included supervising and supporting the work of field staff, managing the field office budget, and reporting to the home office. The home office backstopping and reporting activities included providing technical assistance to the field office, managing the home office budget, and reporting to the NMCP. Major Challenges The major challenges faced by ARM3 in the first quarter of 2015 included supply chain management, commodity management, and reporting. The program experienced delays in receiving commodities from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (GFATM). Additionally, the program faced challenges in reporting to the NMCP due to technical issues with the reporting system. Major Activities for Next Quarter The major activities planned for the next quarter (April-June 2015) included implementing the new malaria treatment protocol, upgrading the skills of health workers, and increasing the use of LLINs. The program also planned to conduct a survey to assess the impact of the program on malaria morbidity and mortality.