MIN/Sp/AU/CAMH3/6 Malaria Page 25 2.9 Implementation at national level Most countries in the region are moving towards universal access to malaria prevention and control among all at risk of malaria. Increasingly, countries are implementing a comprehensive package of interventions in the same geographical area for impact. Malaria Elimination has been discussed in several AU sessions. Much needs to be done before more countries are already for elimination The “Three ones” principle has been adopted in several countries. Although all the countries have up to date malaria strategic plans and country coordinating mechanisms less than 5 have comprehensive and costed Malaria M & E plan. 3.0 Conclusions and Recommendations 3.1 Conclusions Member States have made moderate progress towards achieving targets set at the Abuja 2000, 2001 and 2006, RBM and MDGs. Great political commitment, adoption of better policies as well as increased funding for malaria control from governments, development agencies and funding initiatives. However, few governments have achieved the target of devoting at least 15% government expenditure on health. Coverage of key malaria control interventions has increased in several countries. In spite of these laudable achievements, there is a lot more required if the set targets are to be achieved. Currently very few of these countries are likely to achieve the RBM, Abuja or MDG targets. A major constraint to achieving these targets has been weak health systems characterized by inadequate human resources, poor infrastructure as well as failure to implement a comprehensive package of interventions in the same geographical area for impact. Note should be made that a few countries in Africa do not have the Malaria burden. However, they need to be very vigilant as Malaria can easily be re-introduced or imported. 3.2 Recommendations. The following recommendations are made for action at Member State Level: i. ii. iii. iv. v. Countries should increase funding for the health sector and in particular malaria prevention and elimination; Partnerships at country level should be strengthened and properly coordinated to optimize utilization of resources while avoiding duplication Investment should be made in strengthening health systems without which scaling up malaria control cannot happen. Expansion of access to ACTs, ITNs and other malaria control interventions to all at risk of malaria should be undertaken. Procurement and supply chain management infrastructure should be strengthened to enhance access to malaria control and prevention services. Status Report on Malaria in Africa 2008