Angola continues to suffer the repercussions of a 27-year old civil war that ended in 2002. More than 1.5 million people were killed, four million were displaced, and much of the infrastructure was damaged. Although it is an oil-producing country, Angola remains one of the most economically challenged countries in Africa, with more than 70% of the people making a living through small-scale agriculture.

Malaria is by far the most common cause of illness and death in Angola – and one-third of all cases occur in children. More than half the population lives in malaria prone areas where transmission occurs throughout the entire year.

NetsforLife ^SM Implementing Partner

The Diocese of Angola, part of the Church of the Province of Southern Africa consists of 26 parishes and 4,800 Anglican congregants. The diocese is a vital partner in tackling the country’s most urgent health care issues—malaria prevention, HIV/AIDS prevention, clean water and sanitation, nutrition and primary health care.

Areas Impacted

NetsforLife has already reached 40% of targeted communities. Programs are focused in the following areas:

• NetsforLife is working in 11 communities in the province of Uige. Considered the “heartland” of the Anglican Church, Uige has one of the highest incidences of malaria in the country. The program has been enthusiastically received by communities, the church, other denominations and the provincial government. Residents know the importance of nets and the demand is high. A core group of volunteers has already been trained to carry out community sensitizations, as well as monitoring and evaluation which are integrated throughout NetsforLife program.
• In Cunene, a remote province in the south of the country on the Zambian border, NetsforLife is building good relationships with the local government, the Ministry of Health, and local hospitals, which are vitally important to give the communities confidence in the program. Community awareness and education are a top priority since the importance of using nets is not widely understood in the area. NetsforLife is working in six communities in Cunene.

* Data for Angola based on figures from RollBackMalaria Country Profiles, 2002.