Angola

Country Overview

Malaria Country Profile

• 100% of the population is at risk of contracting malaria (Total population: 31.83 million)
• The highest rates are seen in the north, while epidemic or sudden increases in the number of cases of malaria characterize the south.
• The country reported over 6 million cases of malaria in 2019, over 50% increase since 2015
• High transmission in Angola coupled with frequent migration across borders and lack of health facilities in the southern part of the country has major implications for its low-burden neighbour, Namibia.
• A significant reduction in cases in Angola is critical to the success of malaria elimination efforts in neighbouring E8 countries, as they are interconnected through various trade and migration routes.

Elimination Strategies Implemented

Angola developed a five-year National Malaria Strategic Plan in 2016 which is centered around strengthening malaria control. The overarching objective is to reach a 60% reduction in mortality and morbidity related to malaria by 2020, from 2012 figures. The focus of the country’s plans to achieve its goal will be through four main intervention:

• prevention of malaria through insecticide treated nets, indoor/outdoor spraying, and preventing malaria during pregnancy,
• all suspected cases confirmed by microscopy or Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs),
• creation of regional and national reporting structures in all health facilities, and
• procurement and supply management: Ensure that all health facilities are equipped with malaria drugs and commodities

Best Practices

• The country has scaled up on vector control strategies of indoor residual spraying (IRS) and the distribution of long-lasting insecticide treated nets (LLINs). This has seen an achievement of IRS operational coverage of 90% in 2019, and LLIN operational coverage of 99% in 2018.
• An evidence-based 3-year Malaria Elimination Transition Plan strategic plan for gradual progression towards elimination was developed. This costed plan first targets the southern border which has the lowest transmission, for elimination. There shall be gradual expansion of elimination zones going upwards to the north of Angola.
• Access to healthcare has been improved by the introduction of ADECOs Community Health Workers (Agentes de Desenvolvimento Comunitário e de Sanitário). This is an Integrated Community Case Management programme, which sees community health care workers being deployed into the community and allowing the community to have access to health care within their reach.