This policy brief concerns the involvement of district-level workers in local-level practical approaches to mainstreaming gender. This involvement is central to facilitating change and informing health strategies. MKP led a project in Ghana to facilitate district-level health management teams and district-level field workers to conduct qualitative and participatory research on gender aspects of access to health care for malaria. The results have informed strategies to improve gender equity in health at the community level
This policy brief is concerned with the involvement of district-level health workers in participatory approaches at community level. Using participatory approaches improves healthworkers' communication skills and validates community knowledge. This emerged from a study carried out by the Malaria Knowledge Programme (MKP) in Ghana where it was clear that the interaction and communication that took place between health workers and community members provided opportunities for dialogue and building new relationships
This policy brief is concerned with improving laboratory services and promoting accurate diagnosis of malaria at community level. Such measures would both save lives and prevent wastage of valuable resources. Increasing levels of resistance to cheap, first-line antimalarials means that many poor countries must promote new, more expensive treatment in the form of Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACTs). The need for improved diagnostic tools that can be used at community level has never been greater. Since 1999, the Malaria Knowledge Programme (MKP) has been working in Malawi and Ghana to increase the effectiveness of laboratory systems and diagnostics for malaria and other common health problems
This brief paper describes the research methodology employed by the Malaria Knowledge Programme, and key lessons learned. The programme aimed to enhance the impact of its work through strengthening information and communication flows, involving Southern researchers and institutions and creating international networks for the improvement of research communication throughout its work. Using examples, this paper illustrates how the programme engaged with dynamics of research, policy making and practice, in accordance with DFID recommendations
The report shows the overall activities of the Malaria Knowledge Programme during 2003-2004. It initially outlines the research activities and the new knowledge outputs. Using a framework developed by Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine's Vulnerability and Health Alliance the report contains an evaluation of the implications and effects of the research findings on those most vulnerable to the effects of malaria
This brief outlines a model based on data from the field that can help to predict the effective lifespan of a malaria drug before widespread resistance develops
'In Africa, 70 per cent of fever cases in children are diagnosed in the home and treated with traditional remedies or drugs bought from local shops. These fevers are presumed to be due to malaria, but comparison of accurately diagnosed cases of malaria with presumed cases of malaria reveal shockingly high rates of over-diagnosis'
This policy brief aims to define vulnerability in the context of infectious disease and provide a framework for analysis. The framework can be used to identify factors that influence vulnerability to infectious disease, including vulnerability to exposure, infection, progression to disease, progression to severe disease, and the effects of disease. The paper identifies strategic areas for further research, the implications for policy makers and future directions for research, interventions and policy
This page contain information on the Malaria Knowledge Programme at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. The page notes the work carried out by the VHA on developing a framework that can be used to identify cross-sectoral and multi-disciplinary approaches to vulnerability to malaria, TB and HIV. It shows that few resources are being put into developing appropriate, cheap and accurate tools for malaria diagnosis. Evidence shows that what is needed is effective district laboratory services. It also mentions the Gates Malaria Partnership, which has supported a radio project in the Gambia. It is called ‘Bolonghodala’ which means ‘By the Riverside’. It is a radio drama set in a fictional but typical rural village and combines stories about people’s lives with malaria prevention