Malaria Decision Analysis Support Tool (MDAST): Evaluating Health, Social and Environmental Impacts and Policy Tradeoffs

In spite of the existence of effective interventions and significant local resources and international funding for malaria control, it is often difficult for malaria policy decision‐makers to determine the best combination of interventions in consideration of the many parameters and tradeoffs involved. The situation presents a serious challenge for evidence-based policy development. The stakeholder-driven Malaria Decision Analysis Support Tool (MDAST) project has employed a comprehensive decision analysis framework to assess and compare the range of benefits associated with alternative malaria control strategies (i.e., (1) disease management options include diagnostics coverage and adherence to results in prescribing treatment as well as drug coverage; and (2) vector control interventions include long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs), indoor residual spraying (IRS), and larviciding)  through the development of a user-friendly tool (MDAST) that jointly incorporates health, social and environmental priorities for malaria control in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The end result is a computer-based model developed in a consultative manner between stakeholders that facilitates well informed policy making.

The project has built enhanced decision-making capacity and mutual understanding among the diverse networks of players involved in malaria policy formulation in three East African countries, serving as a pilot for other countries facing the burden of malaria. The project has actively included stakeholders in all three project countries in the iterative process of tool development through surveys, workshops, expert consultations, and interactive training sessions. Stakeholder feedback has allowed for the development and refinement of MDAST according to an enhanced understanding of the situation on the ground as well as the needs of anticipated users in multiple settings. Moreover, MDAST development activities have provided a novel forum for these varied actors to interact with each other, share ideas, and build a sense of joint ownership of the tool. Continued engagement with various stakeholders will be key to the successful dissemination, implementation, and iterative refinement of MDAST and to develop extensions of similar tools to additional locations and situations. . The extension of MDAST to additional countries will require the availability and commitment of certain human resources, including a core group of stakeholders headed by an in-country lead with the interest and authority to engage with MDAST, and of technical staff to support the dissemination, training, and implementation activities.

Combination of Interventions
Diagnostics
Digital Tools
Drug-based Strategies
Leadership & Governance
Modeling
Vector Control

Mar 2010 — Aug 2013

$1.01M

Kenya
Tanzania
Uganda