Malaria Ends With Me

By Peter Mubanga Ng’andu – Rotaract Club of Lusaka

As a Project Management & Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) professional, I believe in data-driven interventions, which is why I eagerly accepted the opportunity to volunteer in Data Quality Audits (DQA) in the spirit of service above self.

A Data Quality Audit is a process in which Malaria Partners Zambia, and other implementing partners, examine the accuracy, completeness, and consistency of data received from various health facilities where the malaria project is being implemented.

The purpose of conducting Data Quality Audits is to enhance the quality of the data by vigilantly spotting and addressing gaps, as well as identifying and correcting errors. Moreover, ensuring that data is correctly recorded at both the community and facility levels aids in achieving improved project implementation and informed decision-making.

As the saying goes, "If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together." As a sports enthusiast, I understand that there is no “I” in team, and that together, everyone achieves more.

This principle is also true for project implementation—recognizing the power of collaboration and involving various stakeholders ensures smooth project execution. To improve project outcomes, Malaria Partners Zambia and its partners undertake remedial activities such as DQAs.

My experience volunteering for this project has been nothing short of humbling and amazing. Serving as a Rotaract volunteer has allowed me to serve the community and gain significant insights into the malaria elimination agenda. This opportunity has also enabled me to see and appreciate the extent of work completed, the ongoing efforts, and the tasks that still need to be addressed.

The approach used is an excellent method for achieving the project goal of eliminating malaria. The Integrated Community Case Management (ICCM) approach, which trains and deploys Community Health Workers to serve their communities, helps to alleviate the burden on health facilities and improve the quality of care.

In conclusion, I would advocate for sustained investment in building the capacity of all health facility staff to ensure the continuity of the work beyond the Partners for a Malaria-Free Zambia project and for effective data management.