Social and Behaviour Change Communication Strategy for Prevention of Re-establishment of Malaria Transmission in Timor-Leste

Overview

The National Strategic Plan for Prevention of Re-establishment of Malaria 2021–2025 has been developed based on Timor-Leste's experience in malaria elimination and prevention. The plan focuses on effective implementation of surveillance and response, early diagnosis, and complete treatment for imported malaria cases, as well as targeted vector control with emphasis on vulnerability and receptivity for appropriate actions.

In 2021, the WHO Malaria Elimination Audit Tool (MEAT) was used to evaluate the program's implementation, with recommendations categorized by critical elements and milestones. One of the recommendations was to develop a communication strategy for the prevention of re-establishment of malaria transmission.

Recognizing the integral role of behavior change communication (BCC), community participation, and advocacy in the prevention of re-establishment phase, the NSP 2021–2025 prioritizes the development of a social and behavior change communication (SBCC) strategy. This strategy draws on relevant theories, evidence, and context-specific activities/campaigns to promote, improve, and sustain malaria-related behaviors related to prevention, case management, surveillance, and response interventions.

The SBCC strategy will complement the NSP 2021–2025, with the goal of promoting and maintaining responsive behavior towards malaria prevention. The strategy is envisioned as a living document that will be revisited and updated in line with the current malaria/country context and malaria elimination certification process.