MALARIA: Malaria Framework for Results (DFID)

The Department for International Development (DFID) conducted a public consultation to seek inputs for the development of its new Malaria Framework for Results. The Framework is part of the UK’s ongoing commitment to supporting progress on Millennium Development Goal 6c, to halt and to begun to reverse the incidence of malaria and other major diseases and a contribution to the goals set out in the Roll Back Malaria Partnership Global Malaria Action Plan (2008).
The 12-week consultation took place from 2 August to 26 October 2010. It gathered views from UK and international experts and the public through an interactive website, individual and group submissions, and technical workshops.
We received over 540 responses through online and technical submissions questionnaires. This report summarises the main messages contained in these responses and identifies how they have been reflected in the Malaria Framework for Results. This report is thus a summary of the wide range of views and ideas presented. It does not attempt to summarise individual responses.
In general, responses showed strong support for DFID’s role and current approach to health and to malaria. There is consensus that malaria needs to be addressed as part of a broader focus on improving health and health services. This includes integrating malaria control services with other health interventions, strengthening health information systems, improving commodity supply chains, building management capacity and human resources for health all with an increased emphasis on the district level.
Specific issues of particular interest included: community based delivery and the role of community; education and participatory approaches for prevention/awareness; and how to work with the private sector. Vector control/management (beyond bednets) and more effective coordination with other sectors were also emphasised. Respondents noted that significant knowledge gaps exist in the malaria field: there was a crucial role for research, both for new products and on how best to deliver services.
The scale and focus of responses to the consultation have confirmed both the potential for increased UK government investment in malaria to deliver results and helped to shape the Framework for how this will be done. In the words of one respondent, ‘build on what DFID has done well in the past and work to your comparative advantage’. Respondents welcomed the responsiveness and flexibility of UK government funding – including the willingness to innovate and develop new instruments; a capacity to focus on the health system; and an ability to partner with different types of organisations, while also supporting governments to take leadership.
DFID is grateful to all those individuals, groups and organisations that contributed submissions and took part in technical meetings. The consultation process was an influential element in the development of the Malaria Framework for Results as a result.
The UK government will publish a mid-term review in 2013 and a framework evaluation in 2015, so that partners and countries can judge what progress has been made in tackling malaria.
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