The vision, mission and the objectives of the Anti Malaria Campaign of the Ministry of Health, which is the principal organization responsible for prevention of re-establishment of malaria is given below.

Vision

A malaria-free Sri Lanka

Mission

Plan and implement a comprehensive programme to sustain intensive surveillance, comprehensive case management, outbreak preparedness, and rapid response for prevention of re-establishment of malaria in Sri Lanka.Objectives of the Anti Malaria Campaign

1. To prevent re-establishment of malaria in Sri Lanka
2. To maintain zero mortality due to malaria in Sri Lanka

Guiding principles

The National Malaria Strategy is based on the following guiding principles:

• Using locally appropriate, evidence based, environmentally friendly policies and strategies conforming to recommendations of WHO’s Global Malaria Programme and the SEA Regional strategy for prevention of re-establishment of malaria
• Equity
• Universal access to quality malaria diagnosis, treatment and prevention
• Emphasis on coverage of vulnerable populations
• Value for money
• Good governance
• Being sensitive to rights of people
• Being gender responsive

 Strategies

Objective 1: To prevent  re-establishment of malaria in Sri Lanka.

1. Maintain intensified case and entomological surveillance.
2. Ensure universal access to quality assured malaria diagnostic and treatment services free of charge.
3. Liaise with the private sector to provide regulated quality diagnostic and treatment services.
4. Detect all infections early and treat all patients with quality assured antimalarial medicines based on national treatment guidelines to ensure radical cure and to prevent secondary transmission.
5. Ensure all suspected cases are tested for malaria (microscopy/RDT).
6. Establish web based real time surveillance system.
7. Provide regular information to health care providers on early detection of imported malaria cases.
8. Immediate notification of all patients strongly suspected of having malaria.
9. Commence investigation of all cases and foci (including reactive parasitological surveillance and entomological surveillance) within 48 hours of notification.
10. Respond to all cases within 7 days of notification according to the approved scope of work.
11. Conduct entomological surveillance in accordance with the new national guidelines.
12. Implement vector control measures as required.
13. Ensure quality assurance in malaria diagnostic services.
14. Re-orient public and private health sector staff towards PoR.
15. Maintain functional rapid response teams for quick and effective response to a secondary case or focus.
16. Maintain adequate buffer stocks of quality LLINs, insecticides, diagnostics and antimalarial medicines.
17. Monitor receptivity and vulnerability
18. ACD among vulnerable populations.
19. Protect vulnerable populations/risk groups.
20. Foster and maintain relevant partnerships (private sector, other sectors, international agencies, etc)
21. Harness political and financial support for PoR.
22. Formulate a communications strategy for PoR to increase awareness among stakeholders (community, travelers, health care providers, migrant populations).
23. Educate the community, especially travelers, on the importance of sustaining malaria-free status.
24. Provide chemoprophylaxis to travelers.
25. Regular review and re-orientation of the national malaria programme for PoR
26. Review and update national guidelines and SOPs for PoR.
27. Develop manuals and guidelines for RMOs and other staff.
28. Maintain a well-trained and competent human resources at the centre and the district level.
29. Provide guidelines on PoR for inclusion in all medical and relevant allied health sciences undergraduate and appropriate postgraduate training programmes.
30. Follow up of malaria cases
31. Review all cases and inform policy changes.
32. Establish real time supply chain management system for malaria commodities

 Objective 2: To maintain zero mortality due to malaria.

1. Provide universal access to malaria diagnostic and treatment services free of charge.
2. Detect all infections early and to treat all patients with quality assured antimalarials based on national treatment guidelines to prevent complications in both public and private health sectors.
3. Ensure all suspected cases are tested for malaria (microscopy or RDT).
4. Ensure all malaria cases are admitted to hospitals and managed.
5. Make available antimalarial medicines (including second line and injectable medicines) to diagnostic and treatment facilities when needed in a timely manner.
6. Inform clinicians on management of malaria (both uncomplicated and severe).
7. Carry out a medical audit of cases when recommended by the Case Review Committee.