The US government and Madagascar have recently established a three-year partnership aimed at bolstering the health information system in the African nation, with the objective of delivering improved care to its population of 7.3 million. A key initiative driving this collaboration is the US President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) Measure Malaria project, which commenced in 2020 and has already yielded notable results.
With the support of the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the $5 million project has focused on training 1,800 public health service providers and data managers within the Ministry to collect and analyze data essential for shaping government health policies, programs, and service delivery. This concerted effort has enabled Madagascar to effectively gather and assess private sector data, monitor health surveillance, and evaluate malaria control plans, thereby informing national and regional health policies.
Notably, the Analamanga region has witnessed significant advancements, as 20 private hospitals within the area now directly input data into an electronic health data management system, as confirmed by a statement from the US embassy in Madagascar. Furthermore, the project has facilitated regular data reviews and supervision by ministry staff at regional, district, and community levels, promoting effective malaria control and furthering initiatives related to maternal and child health, family planning, and immunization services.
Thanks to the PMI’s assistance, Madagascar has achieved a remarkable reduction of over 25 percent in confirmed malaria cases within the past year, with the number declining from 2.3 million to 1.7 million. This substantial decrease has not only saved lives but has also contributed to the overall health and productivity of the Malagasy people, supporting the country’s development endeavors.
The PMI Measure Malaria project operates under the global leadership of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is implemented in Madagascar by ICF Macro Inc. and John Snow Inc. At a recent ceremony, David Parks, the acting director of USAID’s Health, Population, and Nutrition Office, highlighted the value of collecting and analyzing health data, emphasizing its role in improving the well-being of populations through informed decision-making.
