Malaria in South Sudan 4: Treatment of Uncomplicated P. Falciparum Malaria

In the February 2011 issue of SSMJ we covered the pathophysiology; and clinical and laboratory diagnosis of malaria (1; 2; 3). In this article we deal with the treatment of uncomplicated malaria. Management of malaria among pregnant women and children; and treatment of severe malana will be published in future issues of this journal

Integration of intermitent presumptive treatment into existing maternal health services - How feasible is it?

Malaria in pregnancy is a recognised public health problem in Uganda. P.falciparum parasitaemia occurs in more than 60of pregnant mothers in some parts of the country. In general; the prevalence tends to be higher in women of low gravity; HIV seropositivity; middle trimester; low age (19yrs); low weight (50kg); and those residing in areas of low transmission. complications of malaria during pregnancy include maternal and neonatal anemia; abortion; stillbirth; poor maternal and neonatal anemia; abortion; stillbirth; poor mental development and low birth weight that increases neonatal mortality. However; conditions like nutrition deficiency; sickle cell disease; syphilis; intestinal worms and HIV infection may lead to similar complciations. In turn; these complications lead to economic loss; poor health indices; low social partiicpation; and social disharmony like emotional stress; suspicion;s tigma; superstitution; self-heatred; indugence; divorce etc. Therefore theis complexity of problems requires a comprehensive approach. In line with the WHO recommendation; the Ministry of Health instiuted a policy in 1998 stupulating a comprehensive strategy to control malaria during pregnancy. This was further concretised by the National Minimum Health care Package (HSSP 2000) and the Abuja Declaration (April 2000); of which Uganda is a signatory

Malaria: Knowledge; Attitudes and Behaviour in Rural Uganda

Globally; malaria is a disease affecting about 300 million cases per year; with an estimated 1-2 million deaths annually. Sub Sahara Africa alone accounts for about 90of all the country's burden of disease; with an estimated 20-22of all annual deaths facility out patient attendances are due to malaria