Deborah Atobrah, CEGENSA, University of Ghana
• It is important to employ gender-transformative approaches to MiP interventions. The fact of working with women does not automatically mean gender intentionality is being employed.
• Advocacy is one of the key avenues for accelerating a gender-equitable approach to eradicating MiP in a sustainable and transformative way.
• The Advocacy Agenda for Gender-responsive MiP intervention should observe the following priorities:
o Accelerating gender-balanced representation in MiP leadership, focused on strengthening the political will for gender-balanced representation in MiP leadership among policymakers, researchers, scientists, and workforce.
o Deploy gender and malaria (MiP) champions strategically positioned to support and influence decision-making partnership with government agencies, relevant organizations, and communities. o Gender considerations in malaria research & development should be nuanced to make considerations for heterogeneity, paying attention to the unique conditions of pregnant and lactating women.
o Tailor malaria prevention, education, diagnosis, and treatment programs to local gender dynamics for pregnant women.
o Create pathways for gender-equitable participation and professional advancement for the malaria workforce, including community healthcare workers. This should include building skills and capacity of community health workers and clinic staff on countryspecific gender-sensitive strategies and policies for MiP prevention and treatment.