Ibolda Health International Ltd in collaboration with Nigeria National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) led a process evaluation to document the collaborative planning of campaign integration of distribution of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and mass drug administration of seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) in Gombe and Jigawa States, where both ITN and SMC campaigns were planned to take place in 2021. The aim was to gather evidence that demonstrate possible areas of collaborative planning of ITN and SMC campaigns.
Malaria remains a major public health problem in Nigeria despite being preventable and treatable. It is endemic throughout Nigeria with 97% of the population being at risk. Insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) campaigns are two key preventive strategies deployed in Nigeria as strategies for malaria elimination in the National Malaria Strategic Plan (NMSP) 2021 – 2025.
Both ITN and SMC campaigns were considered for integration due to some similarities observed in the planning, implementation and post-campaign phases for cost-efficiency and avoidance of duplication of efforts.