What does E8 mean in HEALTHCARE

The Elimination 8 Malaria Initiative (E8) is a coalition of eight countries working together to eliminate malaria in their countries by 2030. The eight countries are Ethiopia, Ghana, Madagascar, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. This initiative is supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and focuses on improving access to diagnosis and treatment, investing in research and development for new tools to fight the disease, and increasing public awareness of malaria and its preventative measures.

The goals of the E8 Initiative are to achieve zero deaths due to malaria in Ethiopia, Ghana, Madagascar, Mozambique., Rwanda, Tanzania Uganda and Zambia by 2030. This includes reducing morbidity rates associated with malaria — incidences of infection but without clinical symptoms — as well as incidence rate associated with Plasmodium falciparum —the most deadly form of malaria- while also ensuring sustainable control measures are implemented across all E8 member states.

The E8 initiative will help protect individuals from getting infected by providing improved access to diagnosis and treatment for those already infected; investing resources into research and development for new tools to fight the disease; supporting public awareness about how best to prevent being infected; strengthening vector control programs; fostering local community-based initiatives; encouraging governments to invest in health systems; improving cross border surveillance; and investing in research that helps understand transmission patterns.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is leading this initiative through its Global Technical Strategy for Malaria 2016—2030. Each country participating in the E8 Initiative has a dedicated National Strategic Plan which outlines the countries' specific objectives towards eliminating malaria by 2030. WHO also provides guidance on strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation techniques that allow country partners to measure progress towards reaching these targets alongside technical assistance when requested.

Under this Initiative there are four key strategies used which include Vector Control Programs such as indoor residual spraying and insecticide treated bed nets distribution; case management activities such as early diagnosis with rapid diagnostic tests or microscopy services; preventive interventions including seasonal malarial chemopreventive therapies for children living in higher endemic areas;and rational use of antibiotics which ensures proper healthcare practices are adhered too when treating patients with medications such as artemisinin-based combination therapies.

Since its inception in 2016, significant progress has been made towards achieving the global targets laid out by WHO's Global Technical Strategy for Malaria 2016—2030. In Ethiopia alone since 2011 mortality rates have decreased by 56%, while prevalence rates have decreased by 41%. Across all participating countries more than 5 million insecticide treated bed nets have been distributed since 2017 which have helped protect around 25 million people against infection.

Local communities across all E8 member countries have seen a number of benefits due to this initiative. Diagnosis and treatment options now exist within easy reach of most people meaning fewer lives lost due to lack of access or delays in accessing care.. Public awareness campaigns run within each country provide important information about how best individuals can prevent themselves from contracting the disease including sleeping under insecticide treated bed nets or applying repellents during peak periods. Finally income generating opportunities created through vector control activities such as spraying houses with insecticide or distributing insecticide treated bed nets provides multiple livelihoods benefit not just working directly on these activities but also buying items related products.

Yes! There are several ways individuals can get involved directly or indirectly with this project both at a national level — if you live within one an E8 member state — or internationally through donations via online platforms set up for donations such as UNICEF's Gift Catalog where you can choose different projects related to fighting against malaria across Africa or simply donate via different international organisations dedicated specifically towards combating infectious diseases.