However, the IPTp strategy assumes that most pregnant women attend antenatal clinics (ANC) at least twice during their pregnancy and at a time when SP can be administered under direct observation. Unfortunately, it appeared soon that late attendance to ANC and weak health services limit the effectiveness of this strategy; coverage with two or more SP doses varied widely (24-68%) and was well behind the goal of 80% proposed by the Roll Back Malaria Partnership. New approaches to increase IPTp coverage were urgently needed.