President's Malaria Initiative

U.S. government initiative to combat malaria

The President's Malaria Initiative (PMI) is a United States government initiative aimed at reducing the burden of malaria and decreasing malaria-related mortality in sub-Saharan Africa and other regions affected by the disease. Launched in 2005, PMI is a collaborative effort led by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

History

The President's Malaria Initiative was announced by President George W. Bush in 2005 as a five-year, $1.2 billion program to reduce malaria deaths by 50% in 15 African countries. The initiative was part of a broader effort to address global health challenges and was initially focused on high-burden countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

Objectives

PMI aims to reduce malaria-related mortality through a comprehensive approach that includes prevention, treatment, and control strategies. The initiative focuses on scaling up proven interventions such as the distribution of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), indoor residual spraying (IRS), prompt and effective treatment with artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), and intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp).

Implementation Strategies

PMI works in close collaboration with national malaria control programs, international organizations, and local partners to implement its strategies. The initiative emphasizes capacity building, strengthening health systems, and promoting sustainable practices to ensure long-term impact.

Prevention

A health worker distributing insecticide-treated nets in Africa

Prevention efforts under PMI include the widespread distribution of insecticide-treated nets and the implementation of indoor residual spraying campaigns. These interventions are designed to reduce the transmission of malaria by targeting the Anopheles mosquitoes that spread the disease.

Treatment

PMI supports the provision of effective malaria treatment through the distribution of artemisinin-based combination therapies. The initiative also works to improve diagnostic capabilities by supporting the use of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) to ensure accurate and timely diagnosis of malaria cases.

Capacity Building

A key component of PMI is the strengthening of local health systems and capacity building. This includes training healthcare workers, improving supply chain management, and enhancing data collection and analysis to inform decision-making and policy development.

Impact

Since its inception, PMI has contributed to significant reductions in malaria-related mortality and morbidity in partner countries. The initiative has played a crucial role in scaling up malaria control interventions and has been instrumental in the global effort to combat malaria.

Related pages

• Malaria
• United States Agency for International Development
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Global health initiatives