FAQs

Questions & Answers

What anti-malarial drugs are used?
WHO has recommended the use of a combination of sulphadoxine/pyrimethamine and amodiaquine (SP+AQ), which has been shown to be both safe and effective in clinical trials in Burkina Faso, Mali, Senegal and The Gambia.

How often do children have to take the drug?
The drug will be given in up to four treatment courses one month apart during the peak transmission season. Each month, the first dose will be supervised by the community health worker, the remaining doses of amodiaquine will be administered by the caregiver on each of the following two days. It will be important for caregivers to ensure that all doses of the drugs are taken properly to ensure full protection.

Why are only young children covered by SMC?
Children under five are particularly vulnerable to the severe forms of malaria that cause death. They are at risk of repeated attacks of the disease as well as the development of anaemia, impairing child growth and development.

How is SMC delivered?
Local announcements each month will inform the community about the date of SMC, which will be delivered by community health workers at pre-arranged locations in the community, or by visiting each household.  Health workers will receive appropriate training before the intervention begins and will be supervised by nurses and the district health team.