Cross-border co-operation reduces malaria risk in southern Africa

A joint regional cooperation strategy between the governments of South Africa, Swaziland, and Mozambique is helping to reduce malaria and increase agricultural and tourism development in an area covering southern Mozambique, eastern Swaziland and north-east KwaZulu-Natal that is linked by the Lubombo mountains. The program includes a  cross-border collaboration to reduce malaria throughout the area that is having spectacular success.

The Lubombo Spatial Development Initiative aims to develop the region into a globally competitive economic zone that will benefit communities with the lowest socio-economic development as well as tourism, business and governments, ensuring sustainable employment and equal access to regional economic opportunity. Identifying malaria as a critical deterrent to such development inspired the Lubombo Malaria Control initiative, which aims to reduce malaria throughout the LSDI area.

The LSDI was launched in July 1999, with the signing of a General Protocol by the leaders of the three countries. In October 1999, the Regional Malaria Control Commission was created, comprised of malaria scientists, and control and public health specialists from the three countries. In December 1999, the Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park was inscribed on the World Heritage Convention list.  In June 2000 the three countries signed the Lubombo Transfrontier Conservation and Resource Area Protocols (TFCA).

Following five years of sustained malaria vector control in the LSDI area, the overall prevalence of the disease decreased dramatically in Mozambique to less than 20% at all 7 sentinel sites within a three-year period. In Swaziland, a decrease of 91% was achieved by 2002/2003 in comparison to 1999/2000. In South Africa, dramatic reductions in malaria incidence have taken place in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga since 1999 due to provincial control programmes. Extending malaria control to the Mozambique sector has dramatically reduced disease transmission in this area and also significantly reduced transmission in the highest risk malaria districts in South Africa and in Swaziland. In the 2002/2003 malaria season, the incidence of malaria was very low in 98% of the areas that include tourist facilities.

A GIS-based malaria information system has been developed that shows the level of malaria risk and risk periods at specific tourism destinations, rather than only the level of risk by district.  A booklet has been produced to advise tourists about personal protection and prophylactic measures.

This story was adapted from materials found on the LSDI site.

For other stories about malaria, see:

Mapping malaria risk in Africa leads to more effective malaria control

Hedge funds do business against malaria

Malaria Vaccine Initiative works to provide hope for saving lives

Sri Lanka is close to eliminating malaria as a deadly scourge

Ground-breaking malaria findings may aid drug, vaccine development

MalariaEngage hopes social networking will bring funds to African researchers