Empowering Communities: DAPP Malawi's Strides on World Malaria Day 2024
On April 25th, 2024, Development Aid from People to People (DAPP) marked World Malaria Day alongside nations worldwide at a national event held at Nthondo Football Ground in the jurisdiction of Traditional Authority Nthondo, Nthisi District. The event was graced by the presence of the Minister of Health, Hon. Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, as the guest of honour.
DAPP Malawi showcased its interventions, including case management and social behavioural change, all falling under the "Towards Malaria Elimination (TOME) Project", which is funded by the United States President's Malaria Initiative (PMI).
Richwell Tambuli, team lead for the project, highlighted that DAPP is providing support to enhance malaria service delivery at both facility and community levels. The organisation is actively engaged with 72 health facilities, 235 community village health clinics, and 18 community health action groups in Lilongwe and Salima Districts.
Tambuli emphasised the focus on malaria in pregnancy (MIP) and under-five children, citing their vulnerability to malaria-related fatalities. DAPP disseminated information about the services provided and sensitised communities on the importance of seeking early treatment upon detecting fever, particularly in under-five children, as a crucial measure.
Moreover, pregnant women were encouraged to attend antenatal services, where they would receive mosquito nets and Intermittent Preventive Treatment in pregnancy 3 (IPTp3+).
Minister Kandodo commended DAPP Malawi for its role in complementing the government's efforts in combating HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria. She urged for the expansion of these services to other districts, acknowledging the critical need for collaborative efforts in addressing public health challenges.
Malaria remains a significant public health issue in Malawi, with the entire population of 20 million plus at risk of infection. Notably, children under the age of five continue bearing the highest burden of the disease. Malawi accounts for 2% of malaria cases worldwide and is among the top 15 countries with a high malaria burden.
World Malaria Day serves as a reminder of the imperative for sustained investment and political commitment towards malaria prevention and control, a decision taken during the 2007 World Health Assembly by WHO Member States.
