2005.1101.pdf(Roll Back Malaria)Roll Back Malaria:Messages on malaria case management, intermittent preventive treatment during pregnancy and insecticide- treated netsQ (ITNs) were promoted using volunteers, social marketing of unit-dose, prepackaged antimalarial medicines and trainingQ of patent medicine dealers (BASICS II, 2004).The key to the success of this programme was the shift from supply to demand creation for health servicesQ, increased access to medicines, and community ownershipRoll Back Malaria* In Nigeria, a communication strategy for behavioural change was initiated using both the public and private sectors.* Messages on malaria case management, intermittent preventive treatment during pregnancy and insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) wrere promoted using volunteers, social marketing of unit-dose, prepackaged antimalarial medicines and training of patent medicinedealers (BASICS II. 2004).* The channels used included interpersonal communication, traditional communication channels such as 'town criers' and local festivals, and social marketing through medicine packaging, radio spots and distribution of booklets to patent medicine dealers.* The strategy resulted in an increased knowledge of the role and benefits of ITNs in malaria prevention and an increased awareness of the danger signs of malaria and of the importance of seeking early treatment for febrile children through antimalarial medicines.* The key to the success of this programme was the shift from supply to demand creation for health services, increased access to medicines, and community ownership* The experience gained from such training programmes has demonstrated the need for training to address the following gaps in skills and knowledge, depending on the specific roles undertaken:- Knowledge and skills to recognize uncomplicated malaria, danger signs and when to refer the patient Knowledge and skills to manage malaria appropriately (recommended medications/dosages)- Awareness of the need for prompt and early treatment, and completion of the dose- Communication skills to counsel and offer health education on other aspects (e.g. ITNs. intermittent preventive treatment during pregnancy)- Recording/reporting tasks- Drug storage* The highest level of political commitment by the national government is required to ensure that the cross-ministerial activities beyond the purview of the ministry of health required for the implementation of HMM are facilitated at the policy level.Central and regulatory factors:* Regulatory status of recommended antimaiarial medicines.* Quality assurance mechanisms for medicine manufacture and Distribution, and their application.* Regulatory status of potential provider groups.* Current curricula for pre-service and in-service training for* Health providers and other stakeholders in the HMM programme (e.g. teachers) and for schools.">