Neftaly Malaria Program – Nepal
Project Duration: 16 January 2011 – 30 September 2014
Project Title: Strengthening Malaria Prevention and Control in Endemic Districts of Nepal
Background
Nepal has made notable progress in malaria control, with declining case numbers over the past two decades. However, malaria remains a persistent public health issue, especially in the southern Terai belt and other forested regions near the Indian border. Vulnerable populations, including mobile migrant workers, forest dwellers, and ethnic minorities, face the greatest risk.
Neftaly partnered with national and local stakeholders from 2011 to 2014 to support Nepal’s national malaria strategy and help move the country toward malaria pre-elimination.
Objectives
- Reduce malaria morbidity and mortality in endemic districts through effective prevention, diagnosis, and treatment
- Improve access to quality malaria services for high-risk and underserved populations
- Support the national goal of malaria pre-elimination by 2026
Key Interventions
- Vector Control
- Distribution of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) in high-risk districts
- Indoor residual spraying (IRS) campaigns conducted in endemic villages
- Training local teams on entomological surveillance and vector control best practices
- Early Diagnosis and Prompt Treatment
- Strengthened capacity of health facilities to provide free and timely malaria testing and treatment
- Deployment of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) to remote areas
- Training of over 1,000 community health volunteers in malaria case management and referral
- Community Engagement and Health Education
- Conducted behavior change communication (BCC) campaigns targeting high-risk groups
- Promoted consistent use of LLINs and early treatment-seeking behavior
- Developed culturally sensitive IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) materials in local languages
- Surveillance and Monitoring
- Supported case-based surveillance in epidemic-prone zones
- Strengthened data reporting systems at district and central levels
- Used geo-mapping tools to identify and respond to outbreak clusters
- Cross-Border Coordination
- Collaborated with Indian border health posts for synchronized interventions
- Shared surveillance data for mobile populations and returnee migrants
Results Achieved (2011–2014)
- Over 300,000 LLINs distributed across 12 endemic districts
- Confirmed malaria cases reduced by over 50% in target areas
- No malaria-related deaths reported in intervention districts during project duration
- Increased community awareness, with LLIN usage rates exceeding 80% in surveyed communities
- Enhanced health system capacity, including upgraded labs and trained health workers in all project districts
Conclusion
Neftaly’s malaria intervention in Nepal significantly contributed to the country’s progress toward malaria pre-elimination. By combining community-driven approaches, evidence-based strategies, and health system strengthening, the program laid a strong foundation for long-term sustainability.



