In Tanzania, the fight against malaria has started to show major progress. Between 2008 and 2013, the prevalence of malaria in children under five years has nearly halved through a range of different interventions led by the Government of Tanzania with the support of NGOs such as PSI. PSI/Tanzania uses a community-initiated approach to behavior change communication by creating a platform for dialogue regarding malaria prevention and treatment. The behavior change communication project provides a harmonized message through overlapping channels to reinforce behavior change messages and better impact behaviors such as correct and consistent use of insecticide treated mosquito nets.
PSI/Tanzania reaches rural areas by engaging with local NGOs, CBOs and FBOs, understanding large-scale direct community activities such as mobile video units and road shows, and facilitating the development of public-private partnerships for malaria prevention and control. PSI/Tanzania is preparing to integrate a programme to roll out improved access to rapid malaria testing kits through the private sector in 2014, to improve diagnosis of malaria and improve rapid access to appropriate treatment.