In 2002, Angola emerged from almost three decades of civil war that severely damaged its development, particularly the health sector. It is estimated that 80% of the health facilities were damaged or destroyed during the war and currently the existing government health system covers only about 30% of the Angolan population.

Angola's health indicators are some of the worst in Sub-Saharan Africa. The infant mortality rate is 154 per 1,000 live births, the under-5 mortality rate is 260 per 1,000 live births and maternal mortality is estimated to be 1,280 per 100,000 live births only Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Afghanistan and Chad have worst maternal mortality (UNICEF Report 2008).

Malaria is reported to be the principal cause of mortality and morbidity in the country, with a total 4 million cases and about 11,000 deaths/all ages in 2009 (NMCP Annual statistics report 2009). Malaria is directly responsible for 35% of the overall mortality in children under five and 25% of maternal mortality,despite the fact that it is relatively easy to prevent or treat uncomplicated malaria at Primary Health Care (PHC) services level.

According to 2009 data of the National Maternal Health Programme in Angola, 62% of pregnant women attended an Ante Natal Consultation (ANC) at least once during their pregnancy, however with a very low return rate as only 25% of pregnant women received IPT2 and 40% TT2.

Despite the recovery phase after the war, the Angolan health system is still suffering from lack of health infrastructure, trained health staff, appropriate supply of medicines and medical equipment.This year six months stock-out of essential drugs was registered country wide.

According to the NMCP, only 15 percent of the population has access to correct diagnosis and treatment in the first 24 hours after the appearance of clinical symptoms of malaria. Among the groups at greatest risk of illness and death resulting from malaria (children under 5-year old and pregnant women) the situation is particularly worrying. Currently, only 30 percent of children under five and pregnant women with uncomplicated malaria are treated at health facilities at the onset of the illness.