Malaria Prevention Project

Advantage Africa’s partnership with Obambo Community Action Group (OCAG) is saving lives through a Malaria Prevention Project.

Malaria is common in the Obambo area of western Kenya near lake Victoria and leads to many deaths, especially of children. Unfortunately local health services are scarce and unaffordable for most families who live well below the poverty line.

I’ve seen so many sick and weak children suffering from malaria. We want to put an end to the misery and death caused by malaria in our villages

Andrew Otieno, Advantage Africa Partner and Project Coordinator

In accordance with World Health Organisation guidance, this project is combining health education with the distribution of 2,000 insecticide-treated mosquito nets to the most vulnerable children and adults in three village communities. Families are trained in how malaria is contracted and treated, and how to use, maintain and repair mosquito nets properly to prevent malaria. The beneficiaries also learn how to eliminate mosquito breeding sites such as standing water around their homes.

During the first phase of the one-year project an outreach team of OCAG volunteers were trained in malaria prevention and fieldwork techniques. They surveyed a large sample of people in the target community to establish their knowledge of malaria and plan the best way to raise awareness of malaria prevention. To monitor the success of the project the team also collected data about malaria incidence prior to the project activities.

Andrew (Project Co-ordinator) and Sylvester (Project Officer) showing a mosquito net and the stock of 2,000 nets behind

The second phase of the project involved community education about preventing malaria and the distribution of 2,000 long-lasting insecticide-treated mosquito nets.

The project saved and changed lives. It achieved its objective of reducing the suffering caused by malaria and the risk of infection for over 2,000 vulnerable people - and actually reached nearer 4,000. It equipped them to be more healthy and productive so that they can work, go to school and build a better future for their families and community. The knowledge and skills created and the continued committed work of the Obambo community will ensure this life-changing impact will be sustained for many years to come.

More information about malaria prevention in Obambo is contained in Advantage Africa's final report to the Scott Bader Commonwealth, who generously funded the project.

Jiggers Project

Chigoa fleas, locally known as jiggers, are skin-boring parasites common in the Obambo area. If left untreated they can cause serious health problems and in extreme cases leave children unable to walk. OCAG treat people infected by jiggers disinfect infested homes, and provide advice on preventing re-infection.

We’re grateful to the Friends of Obambo for their assistance with the jiggers project.