Malaria Elimination: Expanding Test, Track and Treat in Mining Areas. Impact study on the MSD strategy - 2016

SUMMARY:

This report presents the impact evaluation of the activities of the Suriname Ministry of Health (MoH) Malaria Program (MP) aimed at elimination of malaria in Suriname (hereafter: Malaria Elimination program). This IDB funded program was executed between June 2015 and March 2016. Because existing data and earlier report suggest that the largest share of malaria cases detected in Suriname today are probably the result of transmission in French Guiana, the Malaria Elimination program focused specifically on the Suriname-French Guiana border region.

Quantitative study results are presented and compared with results from the baseline assessment (2015). The researchers conclude that one year is too short of a time to see dramatic changes, particularly in this extremely mobile, difficult to reach population. Notwithstanding, the results suggest that the Malaria Elimination campaign has raised consciousness about malaria prevention among inhabitants of small-scale gold mining areas along the Suriname-French Guiana border: today relatively more people know about, own and use LLINs.

As compared to the 2015 baseline, we observed small positive changes in Test and Treat behavior. When comparing the figures to 2013, a more significant change is visible; today relatively more people take a test when they experience malaria symptoms and a larger share of individuals complete the cure. Testing with MP staff in the field (MSD) and Paramaribo (TropClinic) has increased in popularity. Remaining challenges include: motivating people to use LLINs when malaria rates drop, the disparity between French Guiana and Suriname with regard to malaria strategies and policy, and program sustainability.