Stakeholders adopt digital platforms to boost fight malaria.

 The workshop brought together key stakeholders, including experts from the Ministry of Public Health, health professionals, and representatives from mobile operators, to define and refine the digital messaging strategy. 

During the workshop, participants developed and categorised message formats by intervention axis, ensuring that each target audience receives relevant and timely information.

The decision to adopt digital awareness strategies comes as part of efforts put in place by the programme to increase the reach and effectiveness of its malaria prevention campaigns. 

The Permanent Secretary of the programme, Dr Joël Ateba, during the workshop called for a greater collaboration between various stakeholders to enhance the effectiveness of the digital awareness campaign. 

He insisted on the importance of collective action in the fight against malaria, stressing that the success of this new communication strategy will depend on the active involvement of all sectors.

He urged participants to ensure that the messaging system is not only wide-reaching but also meaningful, engaging, and tailored to the needs of different communities.

According to recent information from Ministry of Public Health, mobile phone operators in the country will collaborate with the National Malaria Control Programme to transmit messages using their extensive broadcasting channels.

These messages, according to the note will focus on educating the population about malaria, its prevention, and the available treatments. The move, according to the National Malaria Control Programme, is expected to significantly enhance the impact of the national malaria control efforts.

The digital campaign, we gathered, will cover a range of topics related to malaria intervention, aiming to improve public knowledge and behaviour. 

These areas of focus include the use of Long-Lasting Insecticide-Treated Mosquito Nets, Intermittent Preventive Treatment for pregnant women, and the importance of complying with vaccination schedules, among other critical subjects. 

The messages sent out, we gathered, will include reminders about the routine vaccination calendar for children, ensuring that families stay up to date on essential health protocols.

Moreover, the integration of digital awareness into the malaria control strategy aligns with global trends in health communication, where digital platforms are playing an increasingly important role in public health education. 

In many countries, mobile phones are being used to track disease outbreaks, disseminate health information, and even provide health services. 

Cameroon’s adoption of this approach places the country at the forefront of innovative malaria control efforts in Africa, where malaria remains one of the leading causes of illness and death.

While the digital campaign is a promising step forward, experts agree that it must be complemented by traditional approaches, such as community outreach and education programs. 

These efforts will ensure that no one is left behind, especially those without access to mobile phones or digital platforms. As Dr Ateba noted, the fight against malaria requires a multi-faceted approach, and digital tools are just one part of a larger puzzle.

In conclusion, Cameroon’s embrace of digital technology to combat malaria represents an exciting new chapter in the country’s public health strategy. 

By utilizing the reach and accessibility of mobile phones, the NMCP is poised to spread vital information to a broader audience, driving greater awareness and participation in malaria prevention efforts. 

With the support of all stakeholders and a continued focus on both digital and traditional communication methods, Cameroon can hope to make significant strides toward reducing malaria cases and ultimately achieving a malaria-free future.

This story was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3339 of Wednesday January 15, 2025