News

Strengthening Malaria Interventions in Benin During the COVID-19 Pandemic

January 26, 2021
{Photo: Raphaël Gnonlonfoun, USAID Integrated Health Services Activity}A coach from Sakété-Ifangni health zone, Plateau, counting the number of active malaria cases in health registers.Photo: Raphaël Gnonlonfoun, USAID Integrated Health Services Activity

When Benin recorded its first case of COVID-19 on March 16, 2020, the country’s health authorities understandably pivoted to pandemic preparedness and response activities to protect people from the coronavirus.But the pandemic threatened progress in the fight against malaria. According to the 2018 Benin Service Availability and Readiness Assessment (SARA 2018), the mosquito-borne illness remains the leading cause of mortality among children under five years and of morbidity among adults in Benin, accounting for more than 39 percent of adult medical consultations. Disruptions to primary healthcare and malaria prevention and treatment efforts could have deadly consequences.

Offline App Expands Malaria Protection for Children in Benin

January 11, 2021
A health worker showing the app used during the SMC in the village of Guéné. Photo credit Jocelyn Akakpo

While the rainy season brings welcome relief to farmers in northern Benin, the wet weather also brings an unwelcome guest: mosquitoes. These mosquitoes can spread malaria, a disease that threatens hundreds of thousands of children’s lives across the region.But malaria can be prevented with several interventions, including medications provided during seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC). When the summer rain arrives, health workers supported by USAID through the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) treat children with four monthly rounds of SMC.

From health worker to patient: Preterm care is a responsibility for all

November 19, 2020

“I look at my baby today, and what I see is the contributions of many. My family, health workers, my friends, and God - we made it!” -Beatrice KadzakumanjaOn November 17th, USAID’s Organized Network for Everyone’s (ONSE) Health Activity joined the global community to commemorate World Prematurity Day. This year’s theme, “Together for Babies Born Too Soon- Caring for the Future,” aims to increase awareness, reach, and engagement, including families and health workers, in the care of babies born prematurely.

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