While the Covid-19 pandemic continues to occupy the headlines, endemic diseases such as malaria remain an ever-present threat to the health, education and livelihoods of (hundreds of) thousands of people, young and old.

ADPP's TCE project in Uíge, Zaire, Malanje and Cuanza Norte is no less tenacious, raising awareness about disease prevention, giving talks about malaria and demonstrations on the use of mosquito nets, going from house to house to remind people about basic health measures or visiting shops and markets to mobilise against Covid-19. 

With the start of the new academic year in September, the school component of the TCE project was once again in full swing. Refresher training for teachers and sports leaders brought them up to date with the latest news on endemic diseases as well as providing inspiration for class lessons and sports tournaments. Malaria Control Patrols were renewed, as the older pupils left and new pupils joined, and Malaria Committees were also established. School Health Agents helped prepare the schools by putting up posters on Covid-19 as well as giving talks about the use of facemasks and hand washing. Regular lessons on malaria, HIV including sexual and reproductive health, TB and Covid-19, got underway for pupils at all participating schools in the four provinces, with extra training sessions for pupils in the Malaria Control Patrols to prepare them for awareness-raising activities.

Municipal administrations, hospitals, clinics, Community and School Health Agents, schools, headmasters, teachers, parents and pupils were all working hard this month to mobilise individuals, households and communities to maintain the momentum already achieved in the fight to control disease.

TCE Uige: Refresher training for teachers in Maquela do Zombo on prevention measures against malaria, HIV/AIDS, TB, and sexual & reproductive health

TCE UIGE: together with the Municipal Inspector of Education in Maquela do Zombo

TCE Cuanza Norte School Health Agent put up Covid-19 posters at schools in preparation for the start of the school year

TCE Zaire School Health Agent and participating teacher giving lessons on malaria and HIV at schools 8 and 98

TCE Zaire: A school health agent giving a talk about the correct use of masks and handwashing to prevent Covid-19

Capacity building session on sexual and reproductive health for Community Health Agents, in advance of mobilisation in the community, TCE Malanje

TCE Zaire: ADECOS took part in a community meeting with the department of health and other NGOs on malaria prevention.

TCE Cuanza Norte in action at the start of the school year

Mobilisation on Covid-19 prevention at TCE Zaire continued house-to-house and in the community

TCE Zaire gave a talk about malaria prevention at AIA church, during which they explained about the correct use of mosquito nets. ADECOS were present for malaria testing.

Tce Uíge refresher training for teachers in Beu Commune, with the presence of the Municipal Education Director, Beu Communal Coordinator, the Director of the Communal Hospital, the Communal Police Chief and Beu Communal Administrator