Keeping Malaria Services Resilient One COVID Vaccine at a Time!

COVID-19 has showed us how important it is to keep malaria services resilient. This week’s Fist Bump goes to VectorLink Madagascar for working to protect their communities from malaria and COVID-19. The official launch for the 2021 IRS campaign took place in the commune of Ankilioaky, in the district of Toliara II, on November 12, 2021; 81 people received vaccinations at the event.

The vaccines were provided by the government of Madagascar, and people were vaccinated by the health center. The event was promoted by a famous, local artist who made the event attractive to people. The initiative was done in collaboration with partners such as Access, Impact, UNICEF, and WHO, who each contributed to the success of the event by providing services like logistical support and assisting with the rental of tents.

Several officials were in attendance such as the Minister of Health, the Chief of the NMCP, the U.S. Ambassador to Madagascar, the Director of Health, Population, and Nutrition from USAID, the PMI Madagascar team, and several implementing partners.

The success was echoed by the Head of PMI Madagascar, Dr. Laurent Kapesa: “As you all know now, the new PMI strategy 2021-2026 has five focus areas. The 3rd focus is about keeping malaria services resilient meaning adapt malaria services to increase resilience against shocks—including COVID-19 and emerging biological threats, conflict, and climate change). By adding COVID-19 vaccination component to this IRS kickoff event, we contributed to implementing our strategy.”

Excellent work in keeping malaria services resilient, VL Madagascar, and congratulations on wrapping up your spray campaign!