A Descriptive Analysis of Intervention Coverage Scale Up for Malaria Prevention in Pregnancy and Equity of Services

Abstract

Malaria, a disease both preventable and treatable, remains a significant burden on health and is directly linked to reduced economic development in many African countries [1]. The burden of malaria is more onerous on pregnant women, especially those in rural areas and of the poorest economic quintile. Therefore, to achieve any substantial reduction in the global malaria burden, countries may need to re-prioritize distribution of proven preventive interventions to these most vulnerable groups. This study analyzes whether scaling up of external funding since 2005 has resulted in more equitable distribution of two specific interventions: Insecticide-treated nets (ITN) and intermittent preventive treatment (IPTp) . It does so by comparing ITN and IPTp coverage rates before and after scale up between pregnant women in the richest and the poorest quintiles and those living in urban versus rural areas . Based on relative changes of coverage rates between these groups, it appears that increased external funding is associated with equitable distribution of interventions.