4P-S3-4

ROLL BACK MALARIA IN AFRICA

HOUENOU - AGBO Y.

Abidjan Cote d'Ivoire

Objective: Identify the obstacles and confirm that a global movement is needed for the success of the Roll Back Malaria program.

Methods: A sample survey was set up in communities, scientific investigations where undertaken in hospitals in Cote d'Ivoire, and inquiries were made to pediatricians in UNAPSA members countries during 1999 - 2000.

Results: At the community level, the main points of transmission, prevention and management of malaria are unknown. More than 50% of the population doesn't link the vector and the disease, and more than 75% don't know the parasite. However the majority of people fight against mosquitoes harm with insecticide (41%), bednet (20%), while Self and traditional medication are initial treatment (50 - 60%). Health centers are used by 42% of adults and 50% of children in the towns, or when first treatment is failed.

WHO recommendations are not well disseminated; the health workers who know them have their own ways of adhering.

The referring hospitals, where health professionals are trained for management of several malaria cases, don't allow them to put into practice directions.

These obstacles along with social political and ecological difficulties, make a vicious circle which increases property.

The African Goverments determination in Harare and Abuja, as well as the mobilization of development patners must be followed by vast campaigns on the positives experiences about RBM.

Conclusion: The success of RBM program is possible even in poor country. It needs a global mobilization of all the partners at all levels of population. The pediatricians have to play a leadership role.