Lessons Learnt from the Integrated Measles

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Lessons Learnt from the Integrated Measles
Malaria Campaign in Sierra Leone

• By Dr Lynda Foray
• Coordinator, Measles Malaria Campaign

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Planning/Coordination

• Adequate lead time provide adequate time for
  review of component of the campaign in
  collaboration with partners.
• Daily update were needed by the coordinating
  bodies of both the EPI and Malaria Programs
  (Interagency Coordinating Committee and the
  Country Coordinating Mechanism respectively). The
  Minister of Health is Chair to both committees

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Planning/Coordination

• Central coordinating team created for data/
  support but not efficient due to the fact that
  team leaders come in late with data due to
  implementation issues/terrain
• Teleconferences facilitated by both WHO and the
  Canadian Red Cross Society
• Milestone set for activities and proper
  monitoring and supervision done by the technical
  committee

4
Logistics

• Early pre positioning of LLINs and other
  logistic items made implementation efficient
• Cold chain maintained nationwide
• Involvement of local leaders/NGOs for support

5
Social Mobilization and Advocacy

• National and international consultant involved.
  National and district activities done.
• Appropriate message dissemination is key
• - Town criers/town meetings/foot ball
  marches/religious groups/drama/skits/radio
  jingles
• - involvement of parliamentarians/councils/market
  women/ schools

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Trainings

• No training is too small or too much
• Trainings were supervised supportively by the
  National Supervisors and members of the technical
  committee

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Implementation

• Group control was a big challenge and was
  complemented by implementing partners (Latter
  day Saints/CRC/SLRC
• Plans were not done for stuck outs but with
  good partnership and leadership, net were got
  from other partners
• Social mobilization teams on site eased the
  tension of parents and vaccination teams after
  stock out. Therefore, the role of the social
  mobilizers cannot be over emphasised.

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Lessons learnt

• Leadership and partnership plays a key role in
  the success of the campaign.
• Early planning and coordination made
  implementation more effective and efficient.
• Involving district councils gave them a sense of
  ownership and commitment to the campaign.
• Establishment of a coordinating mechanism
  facilitated better planning
• Detailed logistics plan and early and appropriate
  social mobilisation activities contributed to the
  success of the campaign
• Integrating the two programs was cost effective
  as it involved four interventions which achieved
  their set targets.

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I thank you for your attention.