Programs to prevent and control infectious diseases

Plan works to prevent and control infectious diseases, in particular, malaria, tuberculosis, and other neglected tropical diseases, by improving community health systems.

Globally, infectious diseases kill more than 11 million people every year, stunt economic growth and burden weak primary health care systems throughout the developing world.

Plan’s global response

Plan seeks to prevent and control infectious diseases by improving community-based health systems. Efforts focus on drawing on our strengths in community mobilization and long-developed relationships with Ministries of Health (MoHs):

• Conducting behavior change education campaigns;
• Strengthening primary health care;
• Acquiring and distributing prevention and treatment methods;
• Implementing vector eradication campaigns; and
• Screening and treating common vectors.

The three deadly killers

Malaria — Despite global adoption of more effective anti-malarial strategies (i.e. increased use of insecticide-treated bed nets and more comprehensive education campaigns), malaria remains the leading cause of mortality and absenteeism for children in Africa. 

Learn about Plan’s malaria control programs

Tuberculosis — TB affects mostly young adults in their most productive years. Slow progress in fighting TB relative to population growth (each person with active TB infects on average 10-15 people every year) has resulted in a global rise in the disease. TB continues to be a leading cause of death of people with HIV and AIDS.

Learn about Plan’s tuberculosis control programs

Neglected Tropical Diseases — In addition to the burden faced by malaria and TB, people living in poverty are often exposed to neglected tropical diseases (NTD’s). These diseases are primarily concentrated in the poorest and most marginalized communities with unsafe water, poor sanitation and limited basic healthcare.

Learn about Plan’s programs for the control of neglected tropical diseases