Papua New Guinea (2013): Qualitative Evaluation of the Home-based Management of Malaria (HMM) and Malaria Behavior Change Communications (BCC) Program Activities in East Sepik Province.

Malaria is one of the leading causes of illness and death in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Approximately 90% of the population is at risk of malaria, and every district in the country has recorded cases. Since 2009, PSI, in partnership with the Government of Papua New Guinea National Malaria Control Program, has implemented the Home based Management of Malaria (HMM) program, Behavior Change Communications (BCC) program activities, and advocacy to contribute to the overall goal of reducing malaria morbidity and mortality in PNG. PSI's focus during the first two years of the program was on strengthening political commitment for malaria control in PNG, including advocacy visits, journalism trainings, and the creation of a five-year Malaria Advocacy Plan for the National Malaria Control Program. The purpose of the study was to understand how the HMM and BCC program program activities have been perceived and received in three areas of East Sepik, in order to help program teams understand and adapt to implementation challenges and make necessary adjustments for greater health impact. Qualitative methods were used in the process evaluation, consisting of sex key informant interviews in each area with community stakeholders and health sector stakeholde rs, in-depth interviews with caregivers of children under five who have received services, and four focus group discussions with community members in Highway villages where Interpersonal Communications have been conducted in the past six months. Results from the process evaluation provide evidence that the HMM program has had a profoundly positive impact on the health of children under five.