Malaria Surveillance and Operations Research
In Mainland Tanzania, malaria surveillance is conducted as part of the Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly, and Children’s weekly electronic Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) system linked to DHIS 2. This system uses mobile phone technology for data transmission from health facilities into the DHIS 2. The work was supported in eight malaria-prone regions (Kagera, Dar es Salaam, Mara, Mwanza, Geita, Manyara, Dodoma, and Singida) in more than 2,000 health facilities.
In Zanzibar, the malaria surveillance work is focused on malaria elimination. It includes support to the Malaria Early Epidemic Warning System, support for passive surveillance activities through the Malaria Early Epidemic Detection System (MEEDS), and active surveillance through malaria case notification (MCN). The MEEDS supports weekly reporting of malaria case data by health facilities using mobile phone technology.
The project’s technical assistance focused on two areas: 1) malaria surveillance, epidemic detection, and rapid response; and 2) routine system strengthening (RSS). RSS activities included data and performance reviews, training, supportive supervision, and packaging and dissemination of malaria surveillance data.
The MEASURE Evaluation– Tanzania project paired operations research experts from Tulane University with the Ifakara Health Institute and the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute to conduct seven research studies on malaria-related topics such as holed nets, school-based net distribution, and rapid vector control using mobile phone technology.
Related Content
The malaria bulletin for Tanzania was designed by the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) to provide regular updates regarding the current estimated malaria burden in the country and the malaria control related services provided by the health facilities. Five issues of a government Malaria Surveillance Bulletin are here: https://www.measureevaluation.org/measure-evaluation-tz/malaria
National Guidelines for Malaria Surveillance and Response in Zanzibar
Malaria Surveillance in Zanzibar: Data Analysis and Interpretation
Malaria Surveillance in Zanzibar: Guidelines for District Malaria Response Team
