Angola

Objectives Identified to Direct the Programmes

Public Sector

In 2006, the Angolan NMCP adopted a new first line therapy, artemether-lumefantrine (AM-LUM/Coartem®) for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria as the alternative to popular but ineffective treatments like Chloroquine - rendered nearly useless with high rates of resistance across the country. Procured by donors including USAID/PMI and made available for large scale distribution, The MENTOR Initiative was selected to assist the NMCP in the distribution of AM-LUM to Zaire and Huambo provinces.

MENTOR’s public sector programs in both provinces aim to ensure correct implementation and adherence to national malaria strategies and protocols. Malaria case and pharmaceutical management trainings tailored to pharmacists, healthcare practitioners and laboratory technicians educate staff in the use of best practice techniques.  Routine visits to government health units by experienced MENTOR staff facilitate the reinforcement of practice methods learned in trainings. Prevention strategies that directly engage communities promote the use of long lasting insecticide treated bednets and encourage rapid treatment seeking, empowering community members to prevent malaria transmission in their own homes.

Private Sector

For the first time in the history of malaria control in Angola, The MENTOR Initiative has begun piloting a project in Huambo province that introduces AM-LUM to the private sector for children less than 5 years of age.  Although AM-LUM was procured on a large scale by donors in 2006 for distribution in the public sector, research suggests that many Angolans turn to the private sector first for anti-malarials.  Funded by PMI/USAID and in collaboration with the NMCP, the pilot aims to increase the availability of this life saving medication in the private sector while training private sector healthcare providers on its rational use.

Advertising and IEC campaigns that alert the public to the availability of AM-LUM and educate on the importance of selecting combined therapies over inferior monotherapies like chloroquine to treat uncomplicated malaria are vital to the pilot. Prompt access to affordable alternative therapies like AM-LUM in the private sector will result in case reductions and greatly alleviate the burden placed on a stretched public healthcare system.