The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #60193

Richard S. Hughes, MA¹, Miriam Chipimo, MD², Joseph Nikisi, MD³, Maureen Chilila, RM, MSc¹, and Anna Chirwa, BSCNrS, RN, RM⁴. (1) Zambia Country Office, JHPIEGO Corporation, c/o USAID, 351 Independence Avenue, PO Box 32481, Lusaka, Zambia, (2) Public Health and Research Directorate, Central Board of Health, Ndeke House, PO Box 32588, Lusaka, Zambia, (3) Clinical Care and Diagnostic Services Directorate, Central Board of Health, Ndeke House, PO Box 32588, Lusaka, Zambia, (4) ZIHPSERV, Zambia Integrated Health Programme / John Snow Inc., Box 37230, Los Angeles Blvd., Long Acres, Lusaka, 10101, Zambia

In East and Southern Africa, malaria during pregnancy has been estimated to cause 15% of all births of low birthweight (LBW), who are at 4 times higher risk of dying, and to be a contributing factor in up to 20% of maternal deaths. Recognized, evidence-based better practices, such as the use of insecticide treated nets and provision of intermittent presumptive therapy for pregnant women during their 2nd and 3rd trimester, have been shown to effectively mitigate the impact of malaria during pregnancy on both mother and infant, reducing maternal peripheral and placental parasitemia, anemia, and low birthweight. With high antenatal attendance in Zambia (over 90%), there is a tremendous opportunity to quickly and effectively implement these better practices. In response to this situation, the Central Board of Health developed national guidelines and an orientation package for malaria during pregnancy, incorporating evidence-based practices into practical, manageable guidelines for health workers. These materials and guidelines have been incorporated into teaching and training programs and disseminated nationally through the Provincial and District health teams. This paper presents background on the development and dissemination of the malaria during pregnancy orientation package, the results of an initial assessment of the guidelines’ implementation, and the lessons learned in the process.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this session, participants will be able to:
• describe in brief the essential components of the Zambian Malaria During Pregnancy Guidelines and Orientation Package;
• articulate the process involved in development and dissemination of the guidelines; and
• discuss lessons learned from the development, dissemination, and implementation of the guidelines

Keywords: Maternal Health, Perinatal Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.