Electricaid Project of the Month - Malaria Prevention in Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone is still recovering from 11 years of conflict during the Civil War, when the population was displaced, economic activities were severely disrupted and infrastructure was destroyed. Furthermore, Sierra Leone is 'ranked by the UN as poorest in terms of human development' and is currently 'the second poorest country in the world, after Niger.'

Since 1999, GOAL along with local health officials, began 'addressing the health, nutrition, water and sanitation needs of rural communities' in the Kenema District due to the 'lack of healthcare infrastructure, limited access to clean water, basic sanitation and a lack of adequate shelter/dwellings.'

As elsewhere in Africa, Malaria is a critical public health problem. More than five million people die every year of this preventable disease. Malaria 'remains the leading public health problem in Sierra Leone.' At present it is the leading cause of morbidity and accounts for around 48% of total out patient morbidity. It contributes hugely to mortality. Malaria also leads to chronic illness, low birth weight and contributes significantly to anaemia in women.

Measures were taken to reduce and prevent the spread of Malaria, therefore reducing illness, deaths and social/economic losses. The project, which GOAL undertook (Malaria Prevention and Education), involved the following: health education messages, health message broadcasts, distribution of protected household water containers, education sessions promoting the use of protected household water containers, distribution of treated mosquito nets through health posts, education sessions promoting the use of treated mosquito nets, training of health post staff effectively to identify and treat Malaria and to co-ordinate with the District Medical Team to ensure an adequate supply of medicines to treat Malaria.

This project is being run in a number of rural communities in the Kenema District. 30,000 people have benefited from this project with local communities, women, children under five years, staff in health posts, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, traditional healers and birth attendants directly targeted by the Health Programme.

In 2005 GOAL sought financial support from ElectricAid to contribute to this project. ElectricAid approved and funded GOAL the full amount requested, which was &euro6,500. 'Funds contributed to ElectricAid were used as co-funding support to the GOAL Sierra Leone implemented integrated Health, Nutrition, Water and Sanitation Programme in the Kenema District. This contribution allowed an expansion of the Malaria education and prevention component by providing an additional 1,410 long-lasting insecticide treated bed nets. 'The funds covered the provision of 1,410 insecticide-treated mosquito nets and educational training, whilst simultaneously improving the availability, quality and effectiveness of primary health care services. Mosquito bed nets are provided through the network of health clinics in the Kenema District as they are an important part of Malaria prevention.

We have since been told that 'The generous support from ElectricAid and your members of &euro6,500 enabled GOAL to purchase 1,410 insecticide-treated nets which were distributed in the Kenema District, Sierra Leone. Thank you for your support for this project.' There is no doubt that this simple funding measure has saved lives, and continues to do so.

ElectricAid Monthly Draw Winner Harbour Mill

Electricaid's prize winner for January is Eileen Foley, VSS, Kilcock. This month's prize, donated by EM, is a weekend away at the Harbour Mill in Westport

Each of the Harbour Mill apartments have been exquisitely furnished with comfort in mind. The suites are individually designed to the highest standards and are full of character and charm.

Due to Harbour Mill's attention to detail and dedication to excellence, it is in a class of its own, with every modern comfort in an atmosphere of unhurried tranquility.