Monitoring and evaluation (known as M&E) is a critical piece in the fight against malaria. Without baseline data and reliable monitoring of key indicators, it is difficult to know if targets are being met and whether mid-course corrections are necessary.

NetsforLife  adheres to the indicators set by the Roll Back Malaria Partnership. Therefore, our results can be compared with and used by national malaria control programs to ensure maximum collaboration and effectiveness among all anti-malarial campaigns in the region. The Roll Back Malaria Partnership’s goal is to halve the burden of malaria by 2010.

Because NetsforLife works in communities underserved by health facilities, a critical piece of the M&E program will be training people to collect data and assess the impact of the programs on the communities.

NetsforLife has built in monitoring and evaluation at all levels and during each phase of the program.

• A baseline study is conducted in each community to assess the numbers of malaria cases, use of nets, the populations most at risk, and the barriers to treatment (such as distance, inadequate health care facilities, cost of treatment, no access to drugs).
• Formal monitoring begins at three months (or after the next rainy season –whichever comes first) and is repeated at twelve months and 24 months after net distribution.
• Evaluation of program impact in communities includes reviewing data on malaria incidences from health care facilities where available, developing community surveillance methods, and involving the community in the assessment process.