The MalaClim product is a climate-based malaria monitoring and early warning system developed and jointly implemented by the Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS), Earth Science New Zealand, and the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) of the Ministry of Health & Medical Services (MHMS) under the project Climate and Oceans Support Program in the Pacific (COSPPac). The project is supported by the Government of Australia through agencies including the Australian Bureau of Meteorology and regional Pacific partners. The aim is to help predict periods of elevated malaria risk through analysis of cumulative rainfall totals to enable health authorities to implement timely preparedness, and response activities aim to eliminate malaria.
It works by comparing the total observed rainfall over October, November, and December for the Vavaya Ridge upper air Station with an established rainfall Threshold (upper & Lower) to determine if the Malaria transmission period, January to June, falls within one of the three-tier risk categories of below-normal, normal, or Above-normal risk. The outcome is then shared with the NVBDCP team to trigger early warning and preparedness efforts through effective resource allocation and planning, identification of targeted spraying sites, implementation of vector control measures, and community awareness initiatives.
The current focus of this product remains on the surrounding areas of North Guadalcanal. However, with continued support from donor partners and implementing agencies, together with the increasing availability of climate and health data, the product is expected to expand to other provinces in the future.