In Gabú, Guinea-Bissau, a grandmother named N’beta hesitated. Her six-month-old grandson, Seco, was healthy, so why give him medicine? But community health workers Jamilia and Amadu gently explained that the medicine wasn’t for illness, but for protection. It was part of a seasonal malaria chemoprevention campaign designed to protect children during the worst malaria transmission.
Malaria is a devastating disease that continues to affect many families and communities in Guinea-Bissau. According to the World Health Organization, there were approximately 8.4 million cases of malaria and 9,400 deaths in the country in 2019. Children under the age of five are particularly vulnerable to this disease.
In an effort to combat malaria, the government of Guinea-Bissau, in collaboration with UNICEF and other partners, has launched a seasonal malaria chemoprevention campaign. This campaign aims to provide preventive treatment to children under the age of five in areas with high malaria transmission rates, such as Gabú.
For N’beta, the initial reluctance to give her grandson medicine was understandable. Like many others in her community, she was wary of western medicine and was used to traditional remedies and practices. However, after being reassured by Jamilia and Amadu, she agreed to give the medicine to her grandson.
The campaign is being implemented by community health workers like Jamilia and Amadu, who go door-to-door to administer the medication and educate families about the importance of malaria prevention. They also provide information on how to recognize the signs and symptoms of malaria, and the importance of seeking prompt treatment if needed.
The medication being distributed in this campaign is a combination of antimalarial drugs that are safe and effective in preventing malaria. This treatment is given monthly during the peak malaria season, which runs from July to October in Guinea-Bissau. It works by targeting the parasites that cause malaria and preventing them from multiplying in the body.
The impact of this campaign has been significant. According to UNICEF, over 725,000 children in Guinea-Bissau have benefited from this preventive treatment since it was first introduced in 2015. The number of malaria cases and deaths among children under five has also significantly decreased in areas where the campaign has been implemented.
Moreover, this campaign has not only helped in preventing malaria but has also provided an opportunity for community health workers to engage with families and educate them about other health issues. For example, they also provide information on the importance of hygiene and sanitation, and the benefits of breastfeeding and proper nutrition for children.
The success of this campaign is also attributed to the strong community participation and support. Community leaders, traditional healers, and religious leaders have all played a vital role in advocating for the campaign and encouraging families to take part.
For N’beta, seeing her grandson healthy and protected from malaria has been a relief and a reassurance. She has also become an advocate for the campaign in her community, encouraging other mothers and grandmothers to give the preventive treatment to their children and spreading awareness about the importance of malaria prevention.
The seasonal malaria chemoprevention campaign in Gabú, Guinea-Bissau, is a great example of how collaboration, community involvement, and education can make a significant impact in fighting a disease like malaria. It not only protects children but also empowers families and communities to take charge of their health and well-being.
As the campaign continues to expand and reach more children in need, it is hoped that the number of malaria cases and deaths will continue to decrease, and that more families will be educated and empowered to protect themselves and their children from this deadly disease.
