ENDEMIC AND COMMUNICABLE DISEASE CONTROL - MALARIA COMPONENT

Evaluation covers the period 6/78-9/79 and is based on a review of project documents and interviews with project personnel. Despite a year"s delay, the Malaria Control Pilot Program (Programme de lutte Antipaludique) is on schedule and is starting to meet its objectives. The 6/25-7/28/79 spraying campaign resulted in the spraying of 28,932 houses and total protection of 256,321 people. Spray coverage of human habitations was 94.7% in the Ndjili zone and 86.95% in the Masina zone. During 5-6/79, baseline information was gathered about 4,880 fever cases in the Ndjili zone and 2195 cases in the Masina zone; 1,200 blood smears were collected from school children, with examinations underway. During geographical reconnaissance, which is now being verified, choloroquine tablets were distributed to 4,363 fever complainants in Ndjili and 2,313 in Masina; among the recipients were those under 15 years old and women who were pregnant or lactating. To identify other anophelines in the area, 1,346 larvae have been collected. Health education activities have included visits to discuss project efforts with program area residents and community leaders. The late arrival (one year after being ordered) of transport vehicles caused similar delays in personnel training, field work, and other implementation activities. Key project personnel were commandered to assist in controlling an outbreak of cholera, which further delayed the establishment of a laboratory, training program, and a deeper coverage of the malaria program area. Lessons learned include the need for a realistic estimation of malaria pilot program costs and complexities from the outset, a training-orientation period for project cadre and for the cadre to act as a team, strong and organized program management, and a timely anticipation of essential project materials, In addition, it was evident that there was a strong link between health education and the participation of local officials to project acceptance.