Chemoprevention
Chemoprevention involves the use of drugs to prevent the occurrence of illness. For malaria, we focus on curative chemoprevention strategies most appropriate to the settings in countries where we work. These strategies include seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) for children under five; perennial malaria chemoprevention (PMC) — administering antimalarials to children at the highest risk of malaria at specific ages throughout the year; and intermittent preventive treatment for malaria in pregnancy (IPTp). Other diseases can also sometimes be prevented through mass drug administration (MDA), which is the administration of drugs to entire populations.
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Seasonal malaria chemoprevention
Seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) is a highly effective intervention used to prevent malaria in children. It involves the intermittent administration of antimalarial drugs during peak malaria transmission season.
In practice: Malaria Consortium has been a leading implementer of SMC since being a primary actor in initial pilots in 2014.
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Perennial malaria chemoprevention
Perennial malaria chemoprevention (PMC) involves the administration of a full course of anti-malarial drugs to those who are vulnerable at specified times regardless of whether they have malaria.
In practice: Through a two-year research study with the Nigeria Ministry of Health, we are assessing the clinical effectiveness and operational feasibility of PMC in Nigeria.
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Intermittent preventive treatment in school-aged children
IPTsc is the administration of a full course of antimalarial medicines to school children at pre-determined periods to treat and prevent malaria infection.
In practice: In Burkina Faso, we assessed existing gaps and provided the evidence needed to inform IPTsc implementation and distribution, supported by feasibility and acceptability studies.
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Intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy
Intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) is provided to women in high malaria burden countries during their pregnancy to protect both them and their unborn child from malaria.
In practice: In Uganda, we assessed and addressed barriers to uptake of IPTp in areas of medium or high malaria transmission.
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Mass drug administration
Other diseases can also sometimes be prevented through mass drug administration (MDA), which is the administration of drugs to entire populations.
In practice: In Mozambique, we assessed whether the community dialogues approach contributed towards enhancing communities’ understanding and knowledge of prevention and control of neglected tropical diseases, especially through MDA.