Accessibility of Insecticide Treated Bed Nets and Intermittent Presumptive Treatment of Malaria to Mozambicans obtaining Healthcare in Southern Malawi: A Case Study of International Disease Control and Equity in Health

Abstract

This qualitative study utilizing in-depth interviews was carried out to determine whether the Malawian public health system provides equitable access to malaria prevention and treatment facilities for Mozambican nationals attending health care services in three Malawian border districts of Nwanza, Mulanje and Nsanje. Majority of Malawian health workers reported non-discrimination of Mozambican nationals accessing insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) and presumptive intermittent treatment for malaria among pregnant women attending antenatal care. In one district however, nets provided by one non-goverbnmental organization were reported to being provided to Malawians only, thus excluding Mozambicans on instruction from the non-governmental organization (NGO) who had supplied the nets. Both Malawian and Mozambican nationals were required to present the ‘Health passport' in order to access ITNs and presumptive intermittent treatment of malaria from the health facilities. For effective prevention and control of malaria in border of Malawi and Mozambique, there is need for the collaboration between governments, including national malaria control programs, non-governmental organizations and civil society.

Key Words: insecticide-treated bed nets; border districts, malaria

Mary Slessor Journal of Medicine Vol.4(1) 2004: 76-80