In a significant initiative to enhance malaria elimination efforts across Africa, the World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a training course designed to empower health workers with localized data analysis skills. The program, titled “Malaria: Harnessing the Power of Routine Health Facility Data,” aims to ensure that health professionals can effectively utilize surveillance data to identify and respond to malaria outbreaks, particularly in regions like northern Togo.
The ability to analyze and act on routine surveillance data is crucial in combating malaria. For health facilities in Togo, early detection of rising malaria cases can prevent severe outcomes, especially among children. Currently, malaria accounts for approximately 30% of outpatient consultations in Togo, with over 2.18 million reported cases and nearly 993 deaths in 2024.
Importance of Contextualized Training
Dr Deepa Pindolia, who leads the course, emphasizes the necessity of localization in training materials. The course is available in multiple languages, including French, Spanish, and Portuguese, to ensure that health workers can engage with the content effectively. Dr Atekpe Payakissim Somiabalo, the National Malaria Control Programme Coordinator in Togo, noted that training operational staff in their native language is vital. He stated, “The main priority is training operational staff in a language they know so that everyone understands the importance of the data collected for decision-making.”
The WHO’s initiative is particularly relevant in light of the challenges faced by health workers across Africa. Many are expected to analyze data without access to advanced training that meets their specific linguistic and contextual needs. Without proper training, data may be collected but remain underutilized in decision-making processes.
Mr Médoune Ndiop, a specialist in monitoring and evaluation within the National Malaria Control Programme in Senegal, echoed Dr Somiabalo’s sentiments. He highlighted that localized training enhances participants’ understanding and enables better engagement during analysis exercises. “The use of the local official language facilitates interactions with participants,” he explained, reinforcing the need for contextualized learning.
Transforming Malaria Control Through Localization
Thibaud de Chevigny, a malaria expert and course facilitator, has witnessed firsthand the positive impact of localized training across Africa. After over a decade supporting malaria programs, he asserts that localization is not merely beneficial but essential. “Translation is absolutely critical, because most subnational programme teams and health information officers in Africa don’t work in English,” he stated.
De Chevigny believes that when health workers learn in their own language, the concepts become clearer, fostering a more inclusive training environment. He advocates for training that is not only translated but also adapted to reflect each country’s unique context. “Using local epidemiological data or case studies shifts discussions from theory to their daily reality,” he said, emphasizing the importance of relevant case studies in training sessions.
With malaria remaining a leading cause of illness in Africa, accounting for 94% of global cases and 95% of malaria-related deaths, localized training is more critical than ever. The World Malaria Report 2025 states that among the 610,000 malaria deaths in 2024, three-quarters were children under the age of five.
De Chevigny hopes that health-care workers will leave the course with the confidence to leverage surveillance data in their daily work. “My main hope is that health-care workers come away with the confidence to use surveillance data as a powerful decision-making tool,” he said. His vision is for these professionals to understand their pivotal role in reducing malaria’s burden, equipped with the knowledge and skills to make a tangible difference in their communities.
This initiative underscores the importance of tailored training programs in addressing one of Africa’s most pressing health challenges. By prioritizing localization, the WHO aims to strengthen the capacity of health workers across the continent, ultimately paving the way for more effective malaria elimination strategies.
