Sport In Action kicks off implementation of Malaria Prevention programs in 7 Districts of Western Province.

Sport In Action in partnership with the Churches Health Association of Zambia, a principal recipient of the Global Fund grants in Zambia to fight and combat malaria is implementing a three (3) years project titled ‘Towards Malaria Elimination’ Project. The project is being implemented in the Western Province of Zambia targeting seven (7) districts with high Malaria incidences namely; Kaoma, Kalabo, Nkeyema, Luampa, Limulunga, Mitete, and Sikongo Districts. The project is implemented using various activities under the Social Behavioural Change Communication and Community-led monitoring interventions including SIA’s signature activities which are sports tournaments integrated with Malaria prevention messages.

The total population in the seven (7) targeted districts is 627,975 with a total of 149 health facilities. The implementation of the project kicked off with project inception meetings that were held in all the seven targeted districts with focus on engaging 175 stakeholders as key partners in the implementation of the project. The project inception meetings were attended by the Chiefs, Indunas, Provincial health officers, District health directors and staff, District commissioners, Council secretaries and District administrative secretaries. Others were the Ministry of Education, religious leaders, youth groups and partners implementing Malaria programs in the targeted districts.

The stakeholders had positive feedback on the project during the inception meetings. The Provincial and District Heath office assured SIA and its partners of full support during the implementation of the activities. This was also echoed by the traditional and religious leaders who pledged the same level of support. The meetings provided a great opportunity for SIA to engage with stakeholders and discuss the opportunities and challenges that the project may experience during the implementation.

SIA is looking forward to increased collaboration with the people of Western Province during community activities while working towards creating a malaria-free Zone for everyone in the targeted districts.