Improving Malaria Diagnostics (IMaD) (2007-2011)
Medical Care Development International (MCDI) and its partners were awarded a $20 million, 5 year Cooperative Agreement by USAID at the end of September 2007 to improve malaria diagnostics in 15 focus countries under the President's Malaria Initiative (PMI). MCDI's partners on the IMaD project include: the African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF); the Swiss Tropical Institute (STI); and Hydas World Health (HWH).
Under IMaD, MCDI and its partners work to improve laboratory-based diagnosis of malaria (primarily at Ministry of Health facilities), and to increase understanding, acceptance, and correct use of microscopy and Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) by laboratory staff and health care practitioners providing direct care to patients. The use of accurate and timely diagnosis in making treatment decisions is critical to making optimal use of the latest treatment options. IMaD collaborates with National Malaria Control Program staff, other donors, and appropriate partners in PMI countries to assess baseline laboratory capacity, develop training materials, train laboratory and clinical staff, improve quality control of malaria-related laboratory procedures, and adapt or develop malaria diagnostics guidelines to reflect state-of-the-art knowledge in the field.
Malaria treatment based on quality malaria diagnostics reduces morbidity and mortality as well as costs, and minimizes the risk of developing drug resistance. In FY 2008, based on Malaria Operational Plans (MOPs) prepared in each PMI country, IMaD is developing strategies and implementing activities to strengthen malaria diagnostics in Angola, Benin, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Mali, Malawi, and Zambia.
More information can be obtained from PMI's newsletter HERE.
Specific IMaD Activities:
- Develop detailed plans for implementing, expanding, and improving laboratory-based diagnosis of malaria in Ministry of Health facilities.
- Assist with the importation and in-country logistics of PMI commodities in selected countries.
- Develop training materials and train health workers in malaria diagnosis using microscopy/RDTs.
- Train health care providers and laboratory staff to implement national policies for diagnosis and treatment of malaria.
- Monitor stocks of supplies and develop a reporting and procurement system for their replacement.
- Develop a quality assurance plan for maintaining diagnostic quality over time.
- Develop surge capacity to meet increased demand for diagnostic capabilities during malaria epidemics.
MCDI's Principal IMaD Partners
African Medical & Research Foundation (AMREF) is a leader in health development in Africa with over 50 years of field and country-level experience. AMREF has offices in 5 eastern and southern African countries, and manages field operations in two.
Hydas World Health (HWH) was created to contribute to improving the quality of malaria diagnosis based on microscopy. It has worked in Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Kenya and countries in the Mekong delta.
Swiss Tropical Institute (STI) contributes to the improvement of the health of populations internationally and nationally through excellence in research, services, and teaching and training. It is the Local Fund Agent for 11 African countries with Global Fund grants.
Medical Research Council of South Africa (MRC/SA) is a leading organization in malaria control for Southern Africa that works to improve the nation's health and quality of life by promoting and conducting relevant and responsive health research.
Malaria Research and Reference Reagent Resource Center (MR4) is a founder of the Multilateral Initiative on Malaria (MIM) and has assisted dozens of African countries with materials for training and quality assurance related to the microscopy-based diagnosis of malaria.
Facing the Challenge
Through the PMI, the American people support efforts to reduce the negative health consequences that malaria poses to individuals and development efforts in Africa. IMaD is an integral part of a multifaceted comprehensive approach that includes the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of this killer disease. While notable progress toward preventing infection with the malaria parasite continues, it remains crucial to accurately diagnose people who seek health care complaining of "the fever". Over-diagnosis leads to increased use of anti-malarial drugs, which consumes limited pharmacy budgets, encourages drug resistance, and delays appropriate treatment. Under-diagnosis leads to increased mortality and higher rates of severe/complicated malaria, requiring costly transport to and care in higher levels of the health care system. Accurate diagnosis of malaria requires microscopy or RDTs. It also requires system resources: trained personnel, functioning equipment, properly managed supplies, sound policy, and supportive supervision. MCDI and its partners are working with National Malaria Control Programs on every aspect of this challenge.
ADDITIONAL MATERIAL
Ghana - Outreach Training and Supportive Supervision for Malaria Diagnostics
Outreach Training and Supportive Supervision for Malaria Diagnostics
Angola's First WHO Malaria Microscopy Accreditation Course
