USAID Awards Cooperative Agreement to Improve Malaria Diagnostics
In September 2007, Medical Care Development International (MCDI) and its partners were awarded a cooperative agreement by USAID for $20 million over five years to improve malaria diagnostics in PMI focus countries.
MCDI’s partners on the Improving Malaira Diagnostics (IMaD) project include:
According to USAID, specific activities to support IMaD's objectives are improving laboratory-based diagnosis of malaria primarily at Ministry of Health facilities; and increasing understanding, acceptance, and correct use of microscopy and Rapid Diagnostic Tests by laboratory staff and health care practitioners providing direct care to patients. The use of accurate and timely diagnosis in making treatment decisions is critical to making optimal use of latest treatment options.
To this end, IMaD collaborates with National Malaria Control Programs as well as other PMI partners and donors to assess baseline laboratory capacity, develop training materials, train laboratory and clinical staff, improve quality control of malaria-related laboratory procedures, and adapt or develop malaria diagnostics guidelines to reflect state-of-the-art knowledge in the field. Malaria treatment based on quality malaria diagnostics reduces morbidity and mortality as well as costs, and minimizes the risk of developing drug resistance.
In fiscal year 2008, based on Malaria Operational Plans prepared in each PMI country, IMaD is developing strategies and implementing activities to strengthen malaria diagnostics in Angola, Benin, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Mali, Malawi, and Zambia.