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Malaria control in complex emergencies: the example of East Timor
Jan Kolaczinski1, Jayne Webster
1Disease Control and Vector Biology Unit, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK. jan.kolaczinski@lshtm.ac.uk
Tropical Medicine & International Health : TM & IH
|January 22, 2003
Summary
Effective malaria control in emergencies requires clear partnerships and continuous planning. Lessons from East Timor highlight the need for defined roles, monitoring, and flexible strategies to ensure long-term success in complex humanitarian settings.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Tropical Medicine
- International Health
Background:
- Malaria control in complex emergencies is addressed by the World Health Organization's Roll Back Malaria (RBM) initiative.
- This initiative emphasizes partnerships between UN agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), supported by a Technical Support Network.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the application of the RBM initiative's partnership approach in East Timor following a complex emergency.
- To identify lessons learned for improving malaria control strategies in post-emergency transitional phases.
Main Methods:
- Case study analysis of the RBM programme's implementation in East Timor (1999-2000).
- Assessment of programme activities related to malaria prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
- Review of organizational and planning frameworks, monitoring, and evaluation processes.
Main Results:
- The RBM programme was initiated quickly in East Timor, addressing critical malaria control needs.
- Lack of a defined organizational framework and absence of monitoring hindered realignment to the transitional phase.
- Emergency malaria control activities continued longer than necessary due to inadequate planning and evaluation.
Conclusions:
- Partnership roles and responsibilities must be clearly defined from the outset.
- Integrated planning, monitoring, and evaluation are crucial for developing sustainable long-term strategies.
- Flexibility, expert guidance, and clear exit strategies are essential for effective malaria control in complex emergencies.