From efficacy to effectiveness: a comprehensive framework for monitoring, evaluating and optimizing seasonal malaria chemoprevention programmes

• Published in: Malaria journal Vol. 23; no. 1; p. 39
• Main Authors: de Cola, Monica Anna, Chestnutt, Elisabeth G, Richardson, Sol, Baudry, Matthieu, Nnaji, Chuks, Ibinaiye, Taiwo, Moukénet, Azoukalné, Rotimi, Kunle, Sawadogo, Benoît, Okafor, Joshua, Compaoré, Cheick Saïd, Oguoma, Chibuzo, Rassi, Christian, Roca-Feltrer, Arantxa
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England BioMed Central Ltd 02.02.2024; BioMed Central; BMC
• Subjects: Age groups; Analysis; Antimalarials - therapeutic use; Burkina Faso; Case management; Chemoprevention; Current data; Data collection; Decision making; Disease prevention; Grey literature; Health aspects; Human diseases; Humans; Impact evaluation; Indicators; Infant; Intervention; Literature reviews; Malaria; Malaria interventions; Methods; Monitoring and evaluation; Nigeria; Planning; Prevention; Process evaluation; Program optimization; Public health; Risk factors; Seasonal variations (Diseases); Seasons; Stratification; Teams; Vector-borne diseases; Working groups; Nigeria; Burkina Faso; Decision-making; Monitoring and evaluation; Malaria interventions; Program optimization; Process evaluation; Impact evaluation
• ISSN: 1475-2875; 1475-2875
• DOI: 10.1186/s12936-024-04860-y

Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) is a highly effective intervention for preventing malaria, particularly in areas with highly seasonal transmission. Monitoring and evaluating (M&E) SMC programmes are complex due to the scale, time-sensitive delivery of the programme, and influence of external factors. This paper describes the process followed to develop a comprehensive M&E framework tailored specifically for the SMC context. The Framework was developed through a literature and programme review, and stakeholder dialogues across three implementing countries-Burkina Faso, Chad, and Nigeria. Expert consultation further refined the Framework through an iterative approach drawing upon data collected through the three sources. The Framework was designed using the Logical Framework Approach incorporating external factors and intentionally aligned with global malaria M&E standards. An overall aim and seven programme objectives were developed measured by 70 indicators. The indicators also capture the causal links between the implementation and results of the programme. The Framework leverages the use of current data sources and existing mechanisms, ensuring efficient data use without requiring a significant increase in resources for overall programme optimization. It also promotes the use of data triangulation, and stratification for a more nuanced understanding of factors affecting programme performance and timely data informed decision-making. The SMC M&E Framework presented here provides a standardized approach for programme implementers to enhance decision-making for optimal programme performance. This is an essential tool as the scope of SMC programmes expands to new geographies and target age groups.