National Malaria Policy 2014-2020

CONTENT

The National Malaria Policy (2014–2020) of The Gambia aimed to achieve a malaria-free country by 2020. It focused on reducing malaria-related morbidity and mortality through universal access to effective prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Specific Objectives

1. Prevention: Ensure universal coverage of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS) to protect vulnerable populations.

2. Diagnosis and Treatment: Strengthen healthcare systems to provide timely and accurate malaria diagnosis and effective treatment.

3. Community Engagement: Promote awareness and community participation in malaria prevention and control efforts.

4. Capacity Building: Enhance technical expertise and infrastructure for malaria control programs.

5. Monitoring and Evaluation: Establish robust systems to track progress and adapt strategies based on evidence.

6. Partnerships: Foster collaboration with national and international stakeholders to mobilize resources and expertise.

Summary 

The National Malaria Policy (2014–2020) outlined a comprehensive framework to eliminate malaria in The Gambia. It emphasized universal access to preventive measures like ITNs and IRS, effective diagnosis and treatment, and community engagement to raise awareness. The policy also focused on capacity building, monitoring, and fostering partnerships to ensure sustainable progress.

Key strategies included:

• Scaling up ITN distribution and IRS coverage.

• Training healthcare workers in malaria diagnosis and treatment.

• Conducting public awareness campaigns to promote preventive behaviors.

• Strengthening data collection and analysis for informed decision-making.

• Collaborating with international organizations like Roll Back Malaria to align with global malaria elimination goals.

The policy envisioned a malaria-free Gambia by 2020, contributing to improved health outcomes and socio-economic development.