The Division of National Malaria Program (DNMP) has set ambitious targets to reduce malaria incidence and deaths by 2023, requiring accurate and timely data for decision-making. Despite extensive implementation of various malaria vector control measures such as indoor residual spraying (IRS) and long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLIN) distribution, malaria incidence has persistently increased over the past three years (2020 - 2023) in Homabay, Siaya, Migori, Busia, and Kisumu counties in Kenya. This has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the control measures.

To investigate these trends, and ensure data quality aligns with program goals, the DNMP enlisted the expertise of the Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program (FELTP) to conduct a targeted Data Quality Assessment (DQA). The assessment was conducted by a team between FELTP and DNMP between June and July 2023. This assessment aimed to assess the quality of malaria data reported in these counties during the period April through June 2023 in Migori, Busia, and Kisumu Counties, and from January and March 2023 in Homabay and Siaya Counties. .

The assessment was expected to address discrepancies noted in reports and inform strategies to enhance the accuracy and reliability of malaria data reporting systems. The findings from this assessment would also provide insights into the challenges facing malaria control efforts in the 5 high-burden counties, inform strategies to improve malaria surveillance and ensure accurate and timely interventions/control efforts in pursuit of the program's objectives of reducing malaria incidence and deaths by 75% of the 2016 levels by 2023.

At the end of the assessment, the Kenya FELTP team shared their findings with the health management of both counties, and the Division of National Malaria Program (DNMP).