Germany and partners support Mozambique in improving its teaching force
British High Commission in Mozambique
Goodbye Malaria is working to support the elimination of malaria in Mozambique by 2030, in a way that changes the way the world thinks about Africa. The initiative was started by African entrepreneurs working with global partners and local government, who believe it’s time to end malaria for good. They believe that African creativity and innovation can help Africa solve one of its biggest, deadliest, and most long-standing problems.
Goodbye Malaria’s CEO Sherwin Charles says: “We play a catalyst role in bringing energy, passion, creativity and world-class partners to priority malaria programmes in Mozambique. Goodbye Malaria supports programmes that use innovative intervention methods, people and execution to deliver results-driven impacts. We work closely with the Mozambican Health Department and are proud to work alongside the National Malaria Control Programme.”
Goodbye Malaria uses indoor residual spraying (IRS) to combat the specific mosquito that carries the disease. IRS is a tried-and-tested technique, that’s WHO-approved and also environmentally safe. But, the business-twist involves the use of unique technology to drive efficiencies and maximise impact.
For example, they’ve developed a GPS-linked smartphone App that records the homes that have been sprayed. The programme’s managers also use detailed data-driven dashboards to monitor operations and staff performance. This enables detailed supervision and the development of the processes that are leading to best-in-class coverage percentages.
Goodbye Malaria’s approach to selecting and training sprayers is also important. They employ people – mostly women – from the communities that are targeted for spraying as they’re both familiar with the terrain and known to, and trusted by, the community members. This people-centric approach has provided secure employment to more than 470 Mozambicans so far.
Their results since their first season of spraying in 2013/2014, speak for themselves:
More than 350 000 lives protected across the districts of Boane, Magude and Marracuene
The prevalence count in Mozambique’s Boane district reduced by more than 90%.
They’re doing this by taking a private sector business approach to the issue. Goodbye Malaria co-founder Robbie Brozin (who also co-founded Nando’s) says that the organisation will always be looking for the next intervention, creative solution and partner to join their fight against malaria. “The four-year-long spray programme in the south of Mozambique is just the beginning and we’re planning on using our franchise knowledge to rapidly expand north and beyond.”
Why Mozambique? It’s one of the countries with the highest burden of disease. It’s also geographically strategic in that it borders both Swaziland and South Africa.
Going forward, Goodbye Malaria has two key deliverables for the next three years:
To maintain its high, results-driven impact as they scale their IRS programme up from the current three districts to the rest of the Maputo province.
To inspire, instil passion and encourage creativity as it partners to raise sustainable funding to support the programme.
“We acknowledge that we can’t win this fight alone and want to collaborate with partners who share our vision,” says Charles. “Malaria can be eliminated in our lifetime.”
About Goodbye Malaria
Goodbye Malaria is an initiative started by African entrepreneurs with global partners, who believe it is time to eliminate malaria for good. It’s set up as a Social Benefit Organisation, enabling it to hold capital.
Working with the Global Fund, Roll Back Malaria partnership (RBM), African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) and Relate Trust in raising funds to eliminate malaria in Africa. Goodbye Malaria also enables Africans to raise funds and advocate against malaria, and will create employment across the continent – starting in southern Mozambique.
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