Zimbabwe Assistance Program in Malaria Annual Report

The program began on October 1, 2017, and concluded on September 30, 2018. Clinical case management was a key component of the program, with a focus on training health workers in clinical case management techniques. The training data was entered into the TrainSMART database, and a malaria clinical mentorship pilot was implemented to support the training. The program also focused on community case management, with a focus on post-training follow-up of village health workers (VHWs) and supportive supervision of VHWs. The VHWs received training in clinical case management and were provided with commodities and equipment to support their work. The program also conducted assessments of the availability of commodities and the utilization of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs). LLINs were a critical component of the program, with a focus on continuous distribution channels, procurement and supply, and training on the use of rectangular nets. The program also conducted assessments of ownership and utilization of LLINs, with a focus on Hwedza District. In addition, the program conducted a net durability study and identified lessons learned from the LLIN distribution process. Social and behavioral change communication (SBCC) was another key component of the program, with a focus on promoting the use of LLINs and other malaria prevention measures. The program implemented a range of SBCC activities, including the development of a Chikunda language malaria control audio book, assessments of drivers of continuing malaria transmission, and commemorations and events to promote malaria awareness. Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) was a critical component of the program, with a focus on case/drug consumption studies, national malaria SM&E plans, and epidemic preparedness and response guidelines. The program also conducted data quality assessments and provided M&E training to health workers. Surveillance and M&E subcommittee meetings were held regularly to review program progress and identify areas for improvement. The program also had a strong focus on gender and child safeguarding, with a commitment to ensuring that all program activities were safe and respectful for all participants. Environmental compliance was also a key consideration, with a focus on managing medical waste, liquid and solid LLIN waste, and public health medicines and commodities. Administrative activities were also an important component of the program, with a focus on staffing and management, conferences, retreats, trainings, and meetings. The program faced a number of challenges, including equipment costs and logistical challenges, but also identified a number of lessons learned and recommendations for future programs. Overall, the ZAPIM program made significant progress in reducing malaria transmission in Zimbabwe, with a focus on clinical case management, community case management, LLIN distribution, and SBCC. The program's M&E activities provided valuable insights into program progress and identified areas for improvement.