Monrovia, 16 September, 2016 - The Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Health with support from partners launched the 4th National Malaria Indicator Survey (MIS) intended to determine the progress made in reducing the burden of malaria since 2011. The survey will also provide data on key malaria indicators, including mosquito net ownership and use as well as prompt and effective treatment with Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACT), and prevalence of malaria among children under five.  

The Deputy Minister of Health for Disease Surveillance and Epidemic Control, Mr. Tolbert Nyenswah, launched the survey on behalf of Dr Bernice Dahn Honorable Minister of Health. Malaria remains a priority program for the country despite the significant progress made in reducing its prevalence and achievement of the Roll Back Malaria target of 50 percent prevalence reduction by 2010. He attributed the gains registered so far to increased coverage of malaria prevention, diagnosis and treatment interventions that benefited from the support from key partners in the fight against Malaria.

The WHO Representative for Liberia, Dr Alex Gasasira underscored the importance of the survey and congratulated the Government of Liberia, and partners on the hard work. He pledged WHO’s continued collaboration and support to the Government of Liberia and all partners in the implementation of the Global Technical Strategy for Malaria 2016-2030.

The USAID Mission Director, Dr Tony Chan, emphasized the importance of the survey and the critical need for an evidence-based approach to the delivery of health care in Liberia. He appealed to the survey team to do their best and ensure collection of quality and reliable data.

According to the 2011, Malaria Indicator Survey the malaria prevalence was at 28%, a progressive decline from 32% in 2007 and 66% in 2005. The Liberia Malaria Prevention and Control Strategy which is being implemented through the National Malaria Control Program, emphasizes use of Long Lasting Insecticide-treated bed Nets (LLIN), prompt and effective treatment of malaria, and intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnant women as key interventions to tackle malaria.

WHO is providing technical and financial support for the implementation of the MIS. Other key partners supporting the exercise include the US President Malaria Initiative (PMI), Centers for Disease Control and prevention (CDC), and Liberia Institute of Statistics and Geo-Information Services (LISGIS).

The MIS is conducted every two years but the last one scheduled for 2013 could not be carried out due to the Ebola outbreak.  The survey will be conducted in all the 15 counties of Liberia. Communities have been urged to corporate with the survey teams to ensure successful outcomes.

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For more information contact:

Technical: Dr Moses Jeuronlon, WHO Advisor-HIV/AIDS, TB, and Malaria, email:jeuronlonk [at] who.inttarget="_blank"

Communication: Luwaga Liliane, Email: luwagal [at] who.int