Assessment of Health Systems in Relation to Interface Between Malaria Control Programs and Health System Strengthening: Comparative Study Between Nepal and Viet Nam

Introduction: Malaria control has been a major health issue with high priority in endemic countries and various efforts have been made with the support of foreign assistant partners. In order to implement efficient and sustainable control, integration of the control program into general health system or effective interactions between them is one of the important strategies. Methods: Studies were conducted in Nepal and Viet Nam. Information obtained from document reviews, interviews, and field surveys were analyzed from the viewpoint of interface between malaria control program and the health system in accordance with six building blocks of a health system, with special emphasis on good practices and challenges in the implementation of the malaria control program. Results: Among good practices, strong government commitment towards the control programs to strengthen facilities and capacity of health workers at the primary level, utilization of health volunteers, setting up mobile team and intensified education for residents were noteworthy. Key challenges mainly involved remote areas. Introduction of malaria due to population movement and the emergence of new endemic areas have become growing issues. While strengthening of the vertical health program appeared to have some impact on the general health system, particularly at the primary level, dissociation between the vertical control program and horizontal general health system still remains. Conclusion: It is crucial to implement an effective and equitable malaria control program that responds to these existing challenges and can create a sustainable health system. Addressing these issues will lead to further strengthening of the health system there and eventually lead to the effective implementation of various health programs.