WHO - World Health Organization

Published purpose

The Global Malaria Programme Rapid Access Expansion supports the most affected countries in sub-Saharan Africa to improve access to diagnosis and treatment for the leading causes of death in children under 5: malaria, pneumonia and diarrhea. The project is implemented in 5 countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Niger and Nigeria. It aims to build on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) experience in strengthening community case management (CCM) of malaria and focuses on integrated community case management (iCCM) of pneumonia and diarrhea. This approach helps to ensure that children have access to treatment for all 3 diseases. The program also seeks to generate evidence to inform WHO policy and guidance on CCM and iCCM. Project activities include: (1) training community health workers; (2) developing supervision and training structures; (3) procuring and distributing supplies and commodities; (4) developing norms, standards and guidance to diagnose and treat leading diseases affecting children under 5; and (5) disseminating and incorporating CCM and iCCM guidelines and policies into national health care policies.