United States and Sierra Leone Partner to Prevent Malaria during Pregnancy

The National Malaria Control Program in Sierra Leone will conduct a workshop March 22-24 to align the Malaria in Pregnancy (MIP) guidelines developed in 2005 with the 2016-2020 Malaria Strategic Plan.  The plan aims to protect 80% of pregnant women and children under one year of age by 2020.  The MIP guidelines will also include World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations on malaria prevention and treatment services for pregnant women and children and the UN Sustainable Development Goals which strive to reduce global malaria mortality rates by at least 90% by 2030.

The Ministry of Health and Sanitation will lead the workshop with participation from 20 government partners and global organizations dedicated to improving the lives of women and children in Sierra Leone.  During the workshop, participants will update and ensure that the MIP guidelines offer Sierra Leone’s government and partners the best chance at preventing and treating malaria during pregnancy and in young children.

Malaria is a significant global health problem, disproportionately affecting children under five and pregnant women, with infection during pregnancy posing substantial risk to the mother and her unborn child.  “Revising and updating these documents will improve coordination and collaboration between local and global health partners delivering maternal and child health services,” said Dr. Saad El-Din Hussein Hassan, Health Advisor, USAID Sierra Leone. 

United States Mission Sierra Leone, Public Affairs Office

 

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