Eritrea's malaria situation is complex, and requires a flexible approach
for effective response. USAID is helping to establish a comprehensive
geographic database and to conduct operations research needed to target
malaria control interventions more successfully. This will soon be a
model database for Africa. One example of the potential of data-based
control efforts is the recent decision in Northern Red Sea Zone to abandon
house spraying with DDT in favor of intensive distribution of insecticide-treated
nets (ITNs). Data collected by Eritrean teams at the zonal level, trained
by USAID's Environmental Health Project (EHP), indicated that DDT spraying
was not working in reed houses due to gaps in the walls. The zonal coordinator
decided to intensify distribution of ITNs as a technically more viable
option. In addition, the distribution program ensured that multiple
nets were made available to each household, thus covering young children
and pregnant women (the most vulnerable groups). These actions, informed
by locally collected data, provide an example of increasing efficiency
and effectiveness, which is the goal of USAID support to the National
Malaria Control Program.
Increasing the Efficiency and Effectiveness of Malaria Control
