Today, the PMI Shinda (Defeat) Malaria project, which implemented in Tanzania by Ifakara Health Institute and partners, welcomed delegates from the President's Malaria Initiative (PMI) and the Ministry of Health to the Kagera region, for an up-close look at the project's impact across various councils. 

Led by Dr. Catherine Joachim from the Ministry of Health and Albert Ikonje from United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/PMI, the delegates began their visit with a courtesy call on Regional Commissioner Fatma Mwasa. 

Here, they received a comprehensive briefing on the malaria situation in the region and the collaborative efforts between the project and the Regional/Council's Health Management teams to combat the disease. 

Dr. Joachim outlined the objectives and achievements of the PMI Shinda Malaria project, emphasizing its significant contribution to reducing malaria cases and fatalities among Kagera’s residents. 

In response, Regional Commissioner Fatma Mwasa expressed gratitude to the American government for funding initiatives that included distributing insecticide nets during the Mass Replacement Campaign in 2023, which she personally benefited from.

Ms. Mwasa acknowledged her awareness of the project's activities and its positive impact on the lives of people in Kagera, underscoring his involvement in last year's Mass Replacement Campaign and the educational efforts associated with it.

Following their meeting with the Regional Commissioner, the delegation visited the PMI Shinda (Defeat) Malaria offices in Kagera. There, they received a detailed presentation on the malaria situation in the region and the project’s role in supporting elimination efforts.

During the presentation, the delegates engaged in discussions aimed at enhancing the project's interventions in Kagera. Dr. Joachim concluded the session by expressing appreciation to the American government for their steadfast support in malaria interventions and assured ongoing Ministry support for the PMI Shinda Malaria project.

"I want to sincerely thank the American government for their unwavering support of the PMI Shinda Malaria project," said Dr. Joachim. "Your contributions have been instrumental in the progress we've achieved so far, though there remains much work ahead to achieve our goal of malaria elimination."