Global Health Initiative and President's Malaria Initiative

	PMI’s activities focus on pregnant women and children under the age of 5 – the two groups most vulnerable to the effects of malaria. Source: Bonnie Gillespie/Voices for a Malaria-Free Future

Implement a woman-centered approach

Pregnant women and children under 5 are the two groups most vulnerable to the effects of malaria. Consequently, they are the targets of most malaria prevention and treatment measures. In most families, women play the major role in deciding where and when young children will seek treatment for illnesses. Women are also in a position to play a key role in promoting behavior change related to the use of long-lasting ITNs, malaria therapy, and IRS. Under the GHI, PMI will work with ministries of health to involve their reproductive health and maternal and child health departments in the development of annual PMI operational plans and promote closer working relationships between NMCPs and these departments on malaria-related activities. PMI will also explore ways to include malaria-related prevention and treatment messages within basic education programs.