Project Title:
Scaling the Optimal Use of Multiple ACTs to Prevent Antimalarial Drug Resistance (STOP-AMDR)
Funder/Consortium:
This project is funded by UNITAID and implemented through a consortium led by Jhpiego, in partnership with the Government of Nigeria (NMEP/SMEP), the Civil Society for Malaria Control, Immunization, and Nutrition (ACOMIN), and research institutions – the University of Calabar and the University of Ilorin.
Duration:
June 2025 – May 2029
Inception Phase:
June 2025 – February 2026
Implementation Phase:
March 2026 – May 2029
Location:
Awgu Local Government Area, Enugu State, Nigeria
Project Overview:
The STOP-AMDR initiative is a groundbreaking, UNITAID-funded effort aimed at preserving the long-term effectiveness of antimalarial medicines and combating the growing threat of antimalarial drug resistance in Africa. As resistance to existing Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACTs) increases globally, the need for strategic diversification in malaria treatment has become urgent.
STOP-AMDR adopts a Multiple First-Line Therapy (MFT) approach that promotes the simultaneous introduction and use of three WHO-approved ACTs—Dihydroartemisinin-Piperaquine (DHP), Pyronaridine-Artesunate (PA), and Artemether-Lumefantrine (AL) — each allocated in strategic proportions (DHP 35%, PA 35%, AL 30%).
By reducing over-dependence on a single ACT, this approach aims to decrease treatment pressure, minimize the risk of drug resistance, and ensure that malaria remains treatable in Nigeria and other African countries. The project also seeks to generate evidence, strengthen community and facility-level awareness, and support policymaking for national MFT adoption. Nigeria is one of the four demonstration countries—alongside DRC, Uganda, and Rwanda—where STOP-AMDR will build scalable models for nationwide implementation.
Role of ESERC:
Economic and Social Empowerment of Rural Communities (ESERC) has been selected as one of the implementing Civil Society Organizations for the STOP-AMDR project in Enugu State and is responsible for driving community-level implementation in Awgu LGA during the inception phase.
ESERC’s responsibilities include:
– Community Mapping: Comprehensive identification and profiling of communities, health facilities, Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendors (PPMVs), and relevant actors to support MFT rollout.
– SBCC and Community Sensitization: Conducting Social and Behaviour Change Communication activities to improve understanding, acceptance, and demand for diversified ACT treatments among caregivers, households, and health workers.
– Community Mobilization: Engaging traditional rulers, opinion leaders, and women/youth groups to build grassroots support for MFT adoption and participation in ACT efficacy studies.
– Advocacy and Coordination: Strengthening collaboration with the LGA health department, Ward Development Committees, and facility managers to enhance service accountability and reporting.
– Monitoring, Evaluation, and Documentation: Maintaining accurate records, documenting successes, generating community-level evidence, and reporting through designated project channels.
– Service Improvement Support: Empowering communities to identify gaps in malaria service delivery, provide feedback, and promote uptake of quality treatment options.
Through these contributions, ESERC plays a critical role in advancing Nigeria’s commitment to reducing malaria morbidity and mortality while safeguarding the future effectiveness of antimalarial medicines.
