Program management issues in implementation of elimination strategies

Abstract

Effective program management is essential to ensure the elimination and eventual eradication of malaria. Malaria elimination, defined as the interruption of local transmission in a specific geographical area, is a long-term, focused and technical process that requires effective management and communication at all levels. There are several core features of successful health program management, all of which are critical to achieve elimination. In general, elimination is facilitated by robust health systems, determined leadership, appropriate incentivization, an effective and real-time surveillance system, and regional collaborations. Elimination is hampered by sclerotic or inflexible health systems, a lack of sustained political and financial commitment, ill-equipped managers, unmotivated and untrained staff and external donor constraints.