Summary from the technical workshop on cross border IEC/behaviour change communication strategies to contain artemisinin resistant malaria

There is evidence for the emergence of artemisinin resistance along the Cambodia Thailand border area. In recognition of this worrying situation as a global emergency, the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners have begun to take steps to confirm and characterize artemisinin resistance, to define optimal strategies and support the preparation of plans of action in Cambodia and Thailand, and to contain the spread of artemisinin tolerant parasites. This initiative is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and initially runs for a period of two years, 2009 – 2010.

It is acknowledged that containment of resistance will require a joint, harmonized cross border strategy, particularly with regards to Behaviour Change Communication which is one of the objectives of the containment strategy and is key towards the success of this project. As the containment of artemisinin resistance is a regional and global public health concern, it will be beneficial to share experiences and lessons learned from various government and non government organizations, local authorities, and other countries. Malaria Consortium, one of the partners in this WHO led strategy to contain artemisinin resistant parasites along the Thailand Cambodia border, will organize a series of technical meetings in 2009 to support the monitoring and evaluation of the Project.

The overall objective of this workshop is to harmonise the cross border BCC/IEC strategies to contain artemisinin resistant malaria in the seven border provinces of Thailand and 10 provinces of Cambodia.

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Country: Cambodia | Thailand

Diseases: Malaria