Malaria prevention among children in Mchinji

About this project

The 3-year Malaria behavioral change communication Project was being implemented in Mchinji District in TAs Dambe, Mlonyeni and Mavwere in 4 Education Zones: Kapiri, Kamwendo, Pinda and Nkhwazi.

The project was using a comprehensive set of Social and Behavioural Change Communication (SBCC) interventions aimed at increasing knowledge as well as demand and use of malaria prevention services and behaviours.

Aims of the project

The project seeks to improve in-school and out-of-school youth’s knowledge and practices towards malaria prevention and treatment in 48 targeted schools and communities by 2018.

The project seeks to improve knowledge and awareness on malaria transmission, prevention and early treatment seeking behaviors among target population; promoting uptake of IPTp (Intermittent Preventive Treatment in pregnancy) among pregnant and adolescent mothers; improving community skills and capacity to care for and repair mosquito nets; and improving teachers’ capacity to integrate malaria prevention and control into school programs.

Target Group

Malaria prevention discussionThe project was targeting:

Primary school going children from 5-16 years old in 24 primary schools;
Out of school youth within the age group of 10-19 in communities surrounding the targeted schools.
Pregnant adolescents and young mothers aged between 10 and 19 years

SBCC activities

The project was using community mobilization, peer education and dialogue sessions to increase knowledge as well as promote health seeking behaviors for prevention of Malaria.

The project uses trained community councilors and lead mothers who disseminate malaria prevention messages among pregnant and lactating adolescent girls.

It also uses trained peer educators who disseminate malaria prevention messages through peer and dialogue sessions conducted within established in-school and out-of-school youth clubs.

Achievements

As of January 2017, the project has:

Mobilised pupils and community youths into Malaria Championship Clubs.
Oriented 48 Club patrons and facilitators
Mobilised 48 elderly women [Community Counsellors] and oriented them in malaria prevention and how they can promote uptake of IPTp among pregnant and adolescent mothers.

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