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Youth Involvement in
Malaria-Zambia
Zambia Malaria
Foundation is committed in partnering with youth organization in the
fight against malaria. Among the many youth groups that we have
worked with two prominent ones can be therefore be recognized as
being our main youth partners. It is realized that youth are the
engine of societal change and the key to success for malaria
programmes. A National Youth Forum on Malaria is being formed and
Zambian Scout Association is spearheading this process. Other
organizations such as YMCA, YWCA, Girls Guides, and Zambia Red Cross
have also shown interest in being part of the RBM forum.
i. Zambian Scout Association
The Zambian Scout Association is a
voluntary, independent, non political movement open to all without
distinction of gender, race or creed in accordance with the purpose,
principle and methods of scouting. The Association has being working
closely with Zambia Malaria Foundation and National Malaria Control
Centre.
They signed an MoU with National
Malaria Centre on the 11th of March 2005 to combine efforts in the
intervention and implementation of RBM programmes.
The Main Objective of MoU was to work
together in developing information, education communication
materials for use in awareness creation and capacity building for
the young people on the Roll Back Malaria interventions.
The Scouts have produced badges for
various age groups; e.g. 18-25 years old Rover Scouts and 15-18
years old Red Venture scouts. The badges have been presented and
accepted internationally. Zambian scouts total 75,000 in number and
are in 47 districts. The scouts' strategy will produce a large pool
of RBM advocates worldwide: Every scout must train five others,
which entails that 35million will train in total 175 million people
in malaria prevention.
Levels of participation in RBM
They have endeavoured to update and
disseminate information to all they members in the 9 provinces of
Zambia and 37 district regarding the MoU. At district level, Scout
groups have participated in RBM out reach programmes, re-treatment
exercise during Africa Malaria day, SADC malaria Day, Child Health
week etc. For more details check
NGO Best
Practice Booklet-Zambia pages 62-63
With the help of NMCC and ZMF numerous
scouts have being trained in advocacy to counter the misconceptions
surrounding malaria and the culture of not using ITNs, and on the
re-treatment of bed nets. For more information contact Robby Zulu,
robbyzulu@yahoo.com
ii. KYCCPP
Kafue Youth Care and Community
Prevention Programme (KYCCPP) is a non-governmental organization
which was initiated by community members of Kafue in order to
supplement efforts of the Ministry of Health in the prevention of
Malaria in Kafue (knowing that Kafue district is a malaria endemic
area). This youth NGO has extended it's efforts to other districts
such as Mazabuka, Chongwe, Mubwa and Chingola. They vision if to
have malaria free communities in Kafue. They overall objective is to
provide education and behaviour change communication on malaria at
community level.
Activities
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Sensitization of the public on
malaria prevention through drama performances, songs/poems, talk
shows and sports.
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Free distribution of Insecticide
Treated Nets(ITNs) and door-to-door retreatment of mosquito nets
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Environmental manipulation in the
control of malaria (damboo clearance).
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Sensitisation on the childhood
illnesses during Ante-natal and under five clinics.
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More in the
NGO Best Practices Booklet-Zambia
pages 24-26
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For more Information Contact:
Cletus Chisanga.
cletuschisanga@yahoo.com
The Zambia Malaria
Foundation welcomes any youth NGO to partner with. It is also trying
to involve as many youth groups through a workable system such as a
youth networking body. It is through this system that youths will
also be given chance to contribute in decision making on malaria
interventions.
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