PMI is an interagency initiative led by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented together with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

It is overseen by a U.S. Global Malaria Coordinator and an Interagency Advisory Group made up of representatives of USAID, CDC/HHS, the Department of State, the Department of Defense, the National Security Council, and the Office of Management and Budget.

When it was launched in 2005, the goal of the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) was to reduce malaria-related mortality by 50 percent across 15 high-burden countries in sub-Saharan Africa through a rapid scale-up of four proven and highly effective malaria prevention and treatment measures: insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs); indoor residual spraying (IRS); accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment with artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs); and intermittent preventive treatment of pregnant women (IPTp).

How They Work

> Indoor Residual Spraying

IRS involves the spraying of residual insecticide on the interior walls of homes to kill mosquitoes, thereby interrupting malaria transmission.

> Insecticide-Treated Nets

An ITN hung over the sleeping area protects those under it from mosquitoes. ITNs can reduce uncomplicated malaria episodes by 50 percent.

> Entomological Monitoring

PMI builds countries' capacity to conduct entomological monitoring, including insecticide resistance testing, which provides robust data to PMI-supported vector control programs.

> Malaria in Pregnancy

PMI supports strengthening activities to prevent malaria in pregnancy in partnership with national malaria control, reproductive health, and maternal and child health programs.

> Diagnosis and Treatment

Effective case management remains one of the cornerstones of malaria prevention and control. PMI provides comprehensive support for malaria diagnosis and treatment.