April 2011

Reductions in malaria and anemia following scale-up of malaria control activities in Zanzibar

In response to the enormous malaria burden in Zanzibar, from September 2003 onwards, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and partners scaled-up four key malaria control interventions: free treatment with artemisinin-based combination therapy, distribution of long-lasting insecticide-treated bed nets, indoor residual spraying and intermittent preventive treatment for pregnant women. By 2008, the malaria-related burden reduced by over 75% in all age groups. With Zanzibar’s success in reducing malaria, the need to maintain adequate malaria control activities becomes increasingly important to minimize the risk of resurgence.