Rapid Diagnostic Tests Save lives: TKMI Angola travels to Cuvelei

From April 29th through the 30th, the Trans Cunene Malaria Initiative (TKMI) Angola travelled to the community of Cuvelei in Cunene, Angola, to conduct rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). Testing was carried out as part of this year’s World Malaria Day activities, in collaboration with the Anglican Church and the Ministry of Health Malaria team.
 
In order to reach Cuvelei, a community that is facing increased malaria incidence, the team of 30 technical staff, nurses, and community mobilizers drove six hours on rough terrain and through rivers. In Cuvelei municipality, one in every two people suffers from malaria and are in need of treatment.
 
Over the two days, 494 RDTs were conducted, with 223 community members testing positive for malaria. The Nurse had no rest, as the health post was open day and night. Most of the malaria cases were in children under-five who also were suffering from malnutrition.
 
Hundreds of community members, many of which were unaware they had malaria, traveled to the health post when they heard that TKMI and the Ministry of Health would be providing testing and treatment. Some community members traveled more than 5 KM to get to the health centre.
 
The RDTs – a 20-minute test – can save lives. Over the two days, family after family tested positive for the malaria parasite. The team treated all who had malaria.
 
Look below for a collection of photos from the two-day event. 

Where there is a will, there is a way. The TKMI team finds a way to reach the community of Cuvelei.

Families trek from Huila border to Cuvelei to receive rapid diagnostic tests for malaria.

Members of the Cuvelei community line up for malaria testing. These tests can save lives.

This seven-year-old girl had not slept the night before because she was in pain due to a high fever. She was confirmed to have malaria and given treatment.

Every member of this family tested positive for malaria and received treatment. RDT testing is an opportunity to integrate other prevention activities and services including bed net distribution and behavior change communication. Scaling up the use of RDTs will have a major impact on communities like Cuvelei where many are still in need of malaria testing and treatment.