
Support to the Myanmar Artemisinin Resistance Containment framework (MARC)
Malaria is a major cause of illness and mortality amongst children and adults in Myanmar. Over three-quarters of the population live in malaria endemic areas. The emergence of artemisinin-resistant malaria on the country’s eastern borders is a serious concern, with significant global implications. A national response strategy, the Myanmar Artemisinin Resistance Containment Framework (MARC), aims to protect Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT) as an effective anti-malaria treatment.
Financing from 3MDG supports the MARC strategy and is predominantly targeted at addressing gaps in coverage, especially amongst mobile, migrant or remote populations, particularly in former conflict areas.
PROGRESS IN 2014
During 2014, almost 500,000 people suspected of having malaria received testing, which brings the number tested since 3MDG began to almost one millionpeople.
Thirty thousand new cases of malaria were treated, bringing the total number of malaria patients who have been treated through 3MDG support to almost 100,000.
Malaria prevalence is declining in the areas of the country where malaria containment programmes are established, resulting in lower numbers of people treated than earlier foreseen.
3MDG ’s malaria response went through a transition period in 2014, with the phasing out of the previous Three Diseases Fund (3DF)-supported Myanmar Artemisinin Resistance Containment (MARC) response, and the beginning of the 3MDG supported national MARC response. The focus shifted towards the early diagnosis of malaria cases and helping confirmed malaria cases to get effective and rapid Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT) treatment. This was done by expanding the areas served by the trained volunteer network and health care providers at the community level.
As the Global Fund had committed to increase its long lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLIN) coverage significantly in all high-risk areas, 3MDG significantly reduced funding for the distribution of LLINs.
FINANCING WORK FOR INNOVATION
Whilst containment programmes remain vital as part of the effort to control the spread of artemisinin-resistant malaria, there is an emerging consensus that resistance can only be addressed through malaria elimination strategies – which will require a concerted and massive effort at the national, regional and global level. Evidence to guide policy and planning is incomplete and as such, during 2014, 3MDG continued to finance work for innovation. This includes studies to model best options for containment/elimination, studies to optimize use of therapies as well as a nationwide survey to measure prevalence.
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