MIN/Sp/AU/CAMH3/6 Malaria Page 23 World Health Assembly resolved to commemorate World Malaria Day which is on the same date as Africa malaria day. The AU Heads of State and Government Special Summit on HIV/AIDS, TB, and Malaria that was supported by WHO as well as the call for universal access were major catalysts for these achievements. Collaboration between WHO and key funding partners and initiatives enabled countries access additional funds. A key constraint is limited managerial capacity at country level leading to low absorption of, and failure to solicit for additional funding. 2.8 Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting NMCPs need accurate, relevant and effective monitoring and evaluation systems to demonstrate progress towards achieving set targets. All the countries in the subregion have functional HMIS; some are implementing IDSR and have regular DHS, MICS or MIS surveys that provide information on coverage of interventions at household level. Data from over 25 household surveys conducted in 2005-2007 has been discussed in other sections of this report. Data from the HMIS and IDSR although available at country level are not always reported timely or even used. Clearly, there is a need to improve on the timelines and completeness of this data as well as using it for action. For example, Completeness of reporting on malaria morbidity and mortality remains a challenge in Africa. Reports received from countries in 2005 show a variation of completeness from 40% to 99% with a median of 68%. This level of completeness has to be factored in when interpreting the results. 12 For example, the number of countries reporting notified malaria cases to WHO has dropped dramatically except in the years when the data is solicited from countries by the region to compile periodic reports. Interpretation of the trends in malaria incidence and deaths using available data is difficult due to incomplete reports, non-standardized reporting and reliance mostly on clinical diagnosis. However, in selected countries that have scaled up interventions but also have more consistent and complete reporting, such as Eritrea, Kenya, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, South Africa, Swaziland and Zanzibar Island in the United Republic of Tanzania, there have been substantial reductions in malaria cases and deaths at health facility level, as shown in figure 6. 12 WHO/AFRO 2006 Africa Malaria Report 2006. Status Report on Malaria in Africa 2008