Submitted by Charley Dickey, Malaria Partners International Ambassador
The Malaria Partners International’ board approved two new small grants. Malaria Partners International reviews small grant applications quarterly. These grants support project concepts with budgets of approximately $5,000 that seed Rotarian led anti-malaria efforts in endemic underserved regions. Malaria Partners International has funded such grants through various host Rotary Clubs to benefit communities in Venezuela, Uganda, and Zambia. The two newest projects will support malaria intervention in Ghana and the Gambia.
Ghana
The Rotary Club of Weija will serve as Host Club for a project centered on Tuba, just outside Accra, the nation’s capital. The grant request was originated by Rtn. Sala Sweet of the University Club (Seattle), a former Peace Corps volunteer in Ghana, who visited the country last May. Ghana’s National Malaria Control Program will serve as the operating partner in organizing and executing an Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) of 230 households and a population of 1,850 people. The goal of this project is to reduce malaria morbidity and mortality among these households and within the Tuba community. In addition to spraying, community workers, many of whom will be local Rotary members will review proper bed netting procedures with residents. The Ga South Municipal Hospital, in collaboration with community volunteers organized by Weija Rotary, will gather data to monitor outcomes.
As for funding, local Rotary Clubs will invest an initial $1,500, followed by Malaria Partners International’s $5,000, capped with another $5,000 from matching funding sources. As soon as this project commences, likely at the end of the dry season in late-February 2020, Rtn. Sala Sweet will begin preparing a larger Global Grant to encompass more spraying and a larger geographic footprint. This project will also be highlighted at the next Rotary District 9102 Conference.
The Gambia
Last May, Rotary District 9101 formed a Rotary Committee for the Gambia to coordinate malaria elimination among in-country Rotary Clubs. The committee will develop global grant proposals and collaborate with Senegalese clubs, as Senegal borders the Gambia on all sides but the ocean. The Gambia National Malaria Control Program will identify malaria elimination projects and set priorities. This is an initial $5,000 capacity building grant, supplemented by $200 from local Rotary Clubs. Chief advocate, Rtn. Jim Moore (RC of Seattle), notes this small grant, combined with matching funds, will total $10,400., providing 16 months of administrative support.