Malaria, Pneumonia and Diarrhea Program – Rapid Access Expansion

This initiative aims to assist the most affected countries in sub-Saharan Africa to improve access to diagnosis and treatment for the major causes of death in children under five years of age: malaria, pneumonia and diarrhea. The project builds on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) experience in strengthening community case management of malaria (CCM), and focuses on integrated community case management (iCCM) of pneumonia and diarrhea. This approach helps to ensure that children have access to treatment for all three diseases. The program also aims to generate evidence to inform WHO policy recommendations and guidance on CCM and iCCM. Activities include: training of community health workers; developing supervision and training structures; procuring and distributing supplies and commodities; developing norms, standards and guidance to diagnose and treat leading diseases affecting children under five; as well as disseminating and incorporating CCM and iCCM guidelines and policies into national health care policies. The project is being implemented in five countries in sub-Saharan Africa: the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, Malawi, Niger and Nigeria.