Addressing the Common Barriers to Establishing Sustainable Health-Protection Programs: Lessons From a Global Malaria-Control Program

Abstract

Abstract Malaria remains a significant health problem and a major cause of death in sub-Saharan Africa. The potential impact of malaria on business operations within malaria risk areas is substantial. Initial attempts to protect individuals using standard counseling and recommendations for prophylactic treatment did not achieve the desired reduction in the number and severity of malaria cases. A Malaria Control Program was implemented that addressed five common barriers to the successful implementation and sustainability of effective health protection programs: Awareness, Availability, Affordability, Accessibility and Acceptability.1 Awareness of the causes of the disease and disease preventive behaviors, availability of treatment and other supplies, affordability of medications, accessibility of health care resources, and acceptability of the disease prevention behaviors were all considered. Utilization of this multi-faceted strategy along with management controls has resulted in a significant increase in awareness, understanding and adoption of protective behaviors, with an apparent reduction in the number of malaria cases in both the non-immune and semi-immune population. Private companies will need to significantly increase their knowledge of significant public health issues and must engage themselves in new ways, perhaps performing functions previously thought to be beyond the scope of their responsibility.2,3 This type of strategy is useful not only in combating malaria but may also prove to be effective in the fight to maintain a healthy and productive workforce in the face of other emerging public health issues.