Trans Kunene Malaria Initiative (TKMI)
Social Behavior Communication Change
Funded by the J.C. Flowers Foundation, The Trans Kunene Malaria Initiative (TKMI) is a cross border collaborative project between the governments of Angola and Namibia on Malaria. The project operates in 4 constituencies within Ohangwena and Omusati regions, covering the borders of Namibia and Angola. The project makes use of community Malaria Volunteers (CMVs) and Field workers (FWs) to teach communities about Malaria prevention, symptoms, and treatment. The project has also assisted with the supply and mass distribution of LLINS within its areas of operation as well as provision of informative education on nets usage.
In Omusati Region, the project operates in Etayi and Outapi constituencies covering 69 villages and reaching 4,606 households. Ohangwena region has Oshikango and Ongenga constituencies covering 49 villages and reaching 3,777 households. Some of the projects core activities are community awareness sessions and headmen sensitization meetings. All detected fever cases are referred to the nearest Health Facility for testing and treatment when appropriate.
Community Testing, Treating and Tracing (TTT)
Combining efforts with the Ministry of Health and Social Services to eliminate malaria from Namibia by 2022, through corroborations with the Ohangwena Regional Health Directorate, NACDO introduced a malaria Testing, Treating and Tracing (TTT) team to operate in the Okongo Health District.
The TTT team has two full time staff (a Registered Nurse & a Case Management Supervisor, who works with six Community Health Workers (CHWs) and thirty Community Malaria Volunteers (CMVs) around the areas of Okongo, Omboloka, Olukula, Ekoka and Omauni, all in Okongo constituency. The team conducts malaria testing, treating, and tracing of cases at community and household level. Individuals testing positive to malaria at local health facilities in such communities are followed at their homes where everyone gets tested and treated (if tested positive.
The six Community Health Workers are trained to test and treat uncomplicated malaria while complicated malaria cases are referred to the Registered Nurse or nearer health facility. The 30 Malaria volunteers are responsible for Malaria education within communities.