In November and December 2009, with the help of local staff, community members, and their leaders, about 1.7 million ITNs (1 million provided by PMI) were distributed to more than 820,000 households, protecting more than 4.1 million people in 19 health districts on the east coast of Madagascar, where malaria is endemic.

A porter carries a 60-pound bale of nets. Many sites were supplied by porters who walked as far as 100 kilometers over difficult terrain. Source: Alyssa Finlay-Vickers/PMI

In collaboration with UNICEF, the Global Fund, the International and Malagasy Red Cross, WHO, and the NMCP, PMI is supporting the 2009-2010 free mass distribution of ITNs to achieve universal coverage by the end of 2010 in Madagascar. In November and December 2009, with the help of local staff, community members, and their leaders, about 1.7 million ITNs (1 million provided by PMI) were distributed to more than 820,000 households, protecting more than 4.1 million people in 19 health districts on the east coast of Madagascar, where malaria is endemic. Another 5.5 million ITNs (of which PMI is contributing 2.1 million) are planned for distribution during the last phase of the campaign in September-October 2010.

Members of a local NGO dig out a truck during the campaign. Muddy roads made travel difficult. Source: Daniel Sidoine/Commission Episcopale Santé

PMI involvement in the campaign was multifaceted: helping to develop the ITN program strategy; securing resources; serving on the planning committee; and developing monitoring tools to ensure that the campaign ran smoothly. When it became clear that PMI could not work directly with the Government of Madagascar due to the political situation in the country. PMI engaged the services of local faith-based organizations to distribute the nets at the community level.

Supervisory teams, deemed essential given the scope of the campaign and the difficulty of the terrain, were sent to all 19 districts covered by the campaign. Team members

A team of supervisors crosses a stream. Source: Alyssa Finlay-Vickers/PMI

were drawn from all of the Roll Back Malaria partners involved in the campaign and included PMI staff and implementing partners. Supervisors were able to quickly resolve implementation problems in the field, ensuring that the campaign was able to reach the poorest and most vulnerable populations