USAID Increases Assistance to Battle Malaria Along the Thai-Burma Border

Funds allocated for rapid-diagnostic testing kits and insecticide-treated bed nets

Thursday, July 12, 2007

In response to heightened malaria epidemic threat levels, the U.S Agency for International Development (USAID) is increasing assistance to malaria prevention and control efforts along the Thailand-Burma border. USAID, through its partner the International Rescue Committee (IRC), will provide funding to health agencies working on the border to procure over 12,000 long-lasting, insecticide-treated bed nets and 53,000 rapid-diagnostic testing kits for malaria.

More than one-million displaced Burmese, including refugees and migrants, live along the Thailand-Burma border. These populations are particularly vulnerable to vector-borne diseases, such as malaria, because they often live in poor conditions in areas where mosquito infestation is common.

Thai hospitals, clinics and health authorities along the border have been reporting higher incidences of malaria since early this year, long before the July-to-September rainy season when malaria rates normally reach their peak. Health agencies have also reported growing evidence of highly drug-resistant malaria strains in the border region.

USAID's assistance will help prevent malaria transmission in Burmese communities. Insecticide-treated bed nets are one of the most effective measures to fight the disease. Early and rapid diagnosis is also critical to stem the spread of the disease and the test kits will help provide this capacity. Other donors are funding medicine to treat malaria patients.

USAID has several programs operating in northern and northwestern Thailand that address malaria in addition to other health needs, such as the prevention of acute respiratory diseases and diarrhea. USAID funds malaria prevention and control efforts through the SHIELD project, which is implemented by IRC and supports border health agencies that are fighting malaria.

The SHIELD project assists uprooted Burmese meet essential needs by improving access to primary healthcare and educational opportunities. The SHIELD project collaborates with the Thai Government, community groups, international and community-based organizations.

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