National Malaria Control Program

1. General Information

Head: Mr. Wandifa Samateh

Office Address: Kanifing Institutional Layout

2. Organizational Structure

The National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) in The Gambia is structured around three core units: Surveillance, Monitoring, and Evaluation (SME), Case Management, and Integrated Vector Management (IVM).

The SME Unit focuses on data collection, analysis, and reporting to track malaria trends and program performance. The Case Management Unit ensures accurate diagnosis and effective treatment using rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACTs). The IVM Unit implements vector control strategies, including insecticide-treated nets (ITN) distribution and indoor residual spraying (IRS), while monitoring insecticide resistance. Together, these units work to reduce malaria transmission and improve health outcomes.

3. Key Functions and Responsibilities

The NMCP’s core functions include:

1. Surveillance, Monitoring, and Evaluation (SME)
2. Case Management
3. Integrated Vector Management (IVM)
4. Coordination and Partnership
5. Data Quality Assurance and Reporting
6. Capacity Building
7. Services Provided

4. The NMCP offers the following services to the public and stakeholders:

1. Diagnosis and Treatment
2. Malaria Prevention Measures
3. Malaria in Pregnancy Services
4. Community-Based Services
5. Programs and Projects

5. Ongoing Programs:

1. Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC)

• Description: Administering antimalarial drugs to children during peak malaria transmission season to prevent infection.
• Objectives: Reduce malaria incidence, prevent severe cases and deaths in children, and strengthen community-based interventions.
• Target Population: Children aged 3 to 59 months.

2. Malaria Case Management and Diagnosis

• Description: Improving access to accurate malaria diagnosis and effective treatment in health facilities and communities.
• Objectives: Ensure early diagnosis and prompt treatment, reduce malaria-related morbidity and mortality, and prevent drug resistance.
• Target Population: Individuals presenting with malaria symptoms.

3. Strengthening Health Systems and Surveillance

• Description: Improving malaria surveillance systems, data collection, and reporting to monitor trends and inform decision-making.
• Objectives: Enhance health system capacity to detect and respond to outbreaks, improve data quality, and strengthen coordination between national and local health authorities.
• Target Population: Health workers and facilities, national and regional health authorities.

4. Routine Distribution of Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs)

• Description: Ensuring continuous availability and distribution of ITNs to vulnerable populations through routine health facility services.
• Objectives: Provide ITNs to pregnant women and children under one during routine visits, maintain consistent access for high-risk populations, and reduce malaria transmission.
• Target Population: Pregnant women and children under one year.

5. Malaria Case-Based Surveillance (CBS) in the North Bank Regions

• Description: Systematic collection, analysis, and reporting of detailed data on individual malaria cases in the North Bank Regions to monitor transmission patterns and guide targeted interventions.
• Objectives: Track and investigate confirmed malaria cases, identify and respond to outbreaks promptly, and provide data for evidence-based decision-making.
• Target Population: Confirmed malaria cases in the North Bank Regions, and communities in high-transmission or outbreak-prone areas.

6. Collaboration and Partnerships

The NMCP collaborates with:

• MoH Programs
• Regional Health Directorates (RHDs)
• Global Fund
• Catholic Relief Services (CRS)
• Gambia Red Cross Society (GCRS)
• Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM)
• USAID
• President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI)