Malaria control

Evaluation covers the period 1/80-9/81 and is based on site visits, interviews with USAID/I personnel, and a review of project documents and field reports by NMEP and USAID/I personnel. Due to a 1979 GOI decision to devolve 1/2 the costs of malaria control on the states (GOI formerly funded all NMEP activities), many states have been unable to support insecticide spraying at levels necessary to maintain the still unmet USAID/I-GOI goal of 2/1000 incidence. Despite this and delays in insecticide distribution, malaria incidence has fallen from 3 million cases in 1979 to an estimated 2.3 million in 1980. Dramatic increases in India"s production capabilities for malathion (DDT production needs further development) augur well for long-term NMEP success. The training component is proceeding well, with educational materials developed and over 2,500 people, including medical officers and entomologists, receiving instruction in malaria prevention. Due to this intensive training, no serious cases of malathion intoxication occurred during the 1980-81 spray programs in Gujara and Maharashtra states. On the community level, panchayats and teachers have been involved in malaria detection and treatment; additional volunteers run the 365,000 fever treatment depots and drug distribution centers; and media presentations have brought malaria information to rural inhabitants. Laboratories were operating satisfactorily and the 22 fog generators were working and adequately supplied. Action decisions are to: simplify reporting requirements for GOI; bring technical assistance into the project earlier to avoid delays in commodity delivery; continue monitoring the progress of formulating and utilizing the 46,029 lbs of technical Abate; complete the recommendations of the audit report of 8/17/81; follow-up the distribution and end-use of 4450 MT of DDT and 10 Leco fog generators; ensure delivery of final commodities (500 MT of DDT and fogger spare parts) expected to arrive in India by 2/28/82; obtain the distribution schedule for audit purposes; reprogram residual funds; and prepare a final PES.