Success Stories - Malaria Network - Environmental Health Project
The EHP Malaria Network began in 1994. There are 2 purposes for the network:
One purpose is to provide information on current malaria research to malaria researchers in African and other countries that do not have access to libraries or the Internet.
The second purpose is to facilitate information flow and communication among malaria researchers and field practitioners, especially those that are in isolated situations.
There are currently over 600 members from more than 50 countries. Several staff members of the AID Africa Bureau are members of the network. Other members include malaria researchers in developing countries, malaria experts from WHO, the U.S. government, bilateral agencies, etc.
The main method for network communication is a bi-weekly bulletin or newsletter that is distributed via email to network members. This bulletin includes abstracts of current malaria research and comments or questions from network members on various malaria topics. The bulletin also serves as a forum for information exchange, messages, and announcements. A directory of network members and contact information was also compiled and distributed.
Meetings have been held with some of the network members. This includes the Partnership on Social Sciences for Malaria Control whose membership consists of AID, CDC, EHP, WHO and other organizations.
Surveys are distributed to network members on a periodic basis to obtain information on their malaria activities and publications and for their comments on the usefulness of the network. The responses state that the network is important, especially to members in developing countries, for keeping abreast of current research and information and for networking.
Primary Objectives
One purpose is to provide information on current malaria research to malaria researchers in African and other countries that do not have access to libraries or the Internet.
The second purpose is to facilitate information flow and communication among malaria researchers and field practitioners, especially those that are in isolated situations.
What Went Right...
Planning for the CoP
Information and communications have been disseminated on a regular basis for several years.
The number of network members continues to increase.
Lessons Learned
Define network purposes at the beginning. Dedicate a certain amount of time each week to the network.
Start "small" and expand network activities if the demand and interest grows.
Before creating a network, make sure the network does not duplicate existing networks.
Regular dissemination of malaria bulletins is key for continued interest and network success. EHP disseminates malaria bulletins bi-weekly without fail.
Develop a directory of network members and contact info, and share with network members. This creates a "decentralized" network that encourages communication and collaboration among members.
