International Rescue Committee

Published purpose

The purpose of this program is to deliver life-saving modern malaria treatments, called artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), to children under the age of five at the community level. This program increases access to ACTs beyond health facilities to the community, where most child deaths from malaria occur. It is estimated this program saves the lives of over 50,000 children in Mali, Malawi, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Cameroon. Key activities include: procurement and distribution of ACTs, training of community health workers to correctly identify and treat malaria, and designing easy-to-follow ACT packaging to help ensure accurate treatment. Furthermore, the ACTs are distributed according to a locally appropriate distribution plan intended to strengthen existing health care delivery systems. Delivery of an integrated package of treatment for malaria, pneumonia and diarrhoeal disease in children under five is also being piloted in some program areas.