MALARIA CONTROL IN NIGERIA

WHAT ROLE CAN STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION PLAY?

Abstract

The Abuja Declaration was signed by 50 Malaria - afflicted countries in April, 2000 and agreed to achieve the following targets by 2005;

• 60% of those suffering from malaria will have prompt access to appropriate and affordable treatment within 24 hours of onset of symptoms.
• 60% of pregnant women and children under five will sleep under insecticide treated nets or use other appropriate and affordable means of protection from malaria.
• 60% of pregnant women at risk of malaria, especially those in their first pregnancies, will access preventive intermittent treatment.
Since then, the Roll Back Malaria (RBM) partnership has focused attention on resource mobilization, policy change, research, and health system strengthening. Up till date no significant success have been achieved. Relatively, less attention being paid to malaria communication may be a reason for this failure. Yet there is general agreement that, if the Abuja targets are to be met, communication is key. This article summarizes some of the communication challenges RBM has experienced in Nigeria and poses some ways in which strategic communication can help propel the country closer to the Abuja targets.