Couverture de la chimio ­ prévention du paludisme saisonnier chez les enfants de 3 à 59 mois au Bénin en 2023 / Coverage of seasonal malaria chemoprevention in children from 3 to 59 months of age in Benin in 2023

Introduction : la Chimioprévention du Paludisme Saisonnier (CPS) est une intervention pouvant réduire la survenue des cas de paludisme chez les enfants de 3 à 59 mois. L'objectif de cette étude était de mesurer la couverture de la CPS chez les enfants de 3 à 59 mois pendant la campagne (juillet à octobre 2023) vivant dans la zone d'intervention au Bénin. Matériels et méthodes : une étude enquête transversale descriptive et analytique a été conduite du 30 novembre au 14 décembre 2023. Un échantillonnage en grappe à trois degrés a permis de tiré au sort 3573 en milieux urbain et rural dans 172 Zones de Dénombrements (ZD) réparties dans les 15 communes d'intervention. Résultats : l'enquête a révélé que 87,3% des enfants ciblés ont été touchés par la campagne de CPS 2023. Sur les quatre passages, la couverture complète était respectivement de 84,4%, 81,7%, 77,7% et 62,2%. La couverture complète pour les douze doses était de 59,8%. Conclusion : la couverture en CPS a diminué au fur et à mesure des doses. Les refus persistent et proviennent des personnes clés des ménages qui décident de l'accès aux soins. Le plan de communication et les stratégies de déploiement de la CPS doit être investigué et renforcé en vue d'améliorer la couverture.

Introduction: Seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) is an intervention that can reduce the occurrence of malaria in children aged 3-59 months. The study aimed to measure the coverage of SMC among children aged 3 to 59 months from July to October 2023 living in the intervention zone in Benin. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from 30 November to 14 December 2023. Three-stage sampling was used to randomly select 3573 people in urban and rural areas in 172 enumeration zones (ED) in the 15 intervention municipalities. Results: Of the targeted children, 87.3% of had been reached by the 2023 CPS campaign Over the four rounds, full coverage was 84.4%, 81.7%, 77.7% and 62.2% respectively. Full coverage for the twelve doses was 59.8%. Conclusion: The SMC coverage decreased with each dose and varied across areas. The SMC communication plan and implementation needs to be strengthened to improve coverage

Frequency of blood donation and malaria occurrence among blood donors in a tertiary hospital, Nigeria

Context: Malaria is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Transfusion transmitted malaria contributes significantly to the burden of malaria in SSA. The safety of blood transfusion as it relates to frequency of blood donation and malaria occurrence on the part of donors is an aspect that has not been properly investigated hence this study. Objectives: This study was conducted to assess the frequency of blood donation and occurrence of malaria among blood donors at OAUTHC, Ile-Ife. Materials and methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Ethical approval was obtained. One hundred and thirty-three consenting blood donors aged between 18-50 years were recruited for the study. Two milliliter's of blood were collected from each study participant and immediately transported to the laboratory for processing. Giemsa-stained films of the samples were viewed under the oil immersion objective of the microscope. Questionnaires were administered to the study participants to obtain relevant information. Data generated were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with SPSS software version 20. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The prevalence of malaria among the blood donors was 21.1% with the highest rate among commercial donors (33.3%) followed by family donors (12.9%) then voluntary donors (11.9%). Evaluation of the frequency of donation showed that malaria occurred more in recurring donors (77.78%) than first time donors (22.22%).

SD bioline malaria rapid diagnostic test performance and time to become negative after treatment of malaria infection in southwest Nigerian children

Context and Aim: Given the challenges of microscopy, we compared its performance with SD Bioline malaria rapid diagnostic test (MRDT) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and evaluated the time it took for positive results to become negative after treatment of children with acute uncomplicated malaria. Subjects and Methods: We present the report of 485 participants with complete MRDT, microscopy, and PCR data out of 511 febrile children aged 3­59 months who participated in a cohort study over a 12 month period in rural and urban areas of Ibadan, Nigeria. MRDT positive children received antimalaria and tested at every visit over 28 days. Speciation was also carried out by PCR. Results: With microscopy as the gold standard, SD-Bioline™ had 95.2% sensitivity, 66.4% specificity, 67.5% positive predictive value (PPV), and 94.9 negative predictive value (NPV), while with PCR the findings were 84.3% sensitivity, 66.5% specificity, 72.7% PPV, and 80.1% NPV. PCR speciation of malaria parasites revealed 91.6% Plasmodium falciparum, 18.9% Plasmodium malariae, and 4.4% Plasmodium ovale. Among the 47 children with P. malariae infections, 66.0% were coinfected with P. falciparum, while 54.6% cases of P. ovale occurred as coinfections with P. falciparum. The median time to a negative MRDT was 23.2 days, while the median time to a negative malaria microscopy was 3.8 days. The two survival curves were significantly different. Conclusions: The SD BiolineTM MRDT performed well, with remarkable persistence of rapid test-positive for an average of 23 days post treatment. The prevalence of P. malaria is somewhat greater than expected.

Factors associated with anaemia in under-five children in Zambia: Secondary analysis of the 2021 Malaria Indicator Survey Data

Introduction:Anaemia is one of the major public health concerns in many developing countries including Zambia. Unless it is acute, the consequences of anaemia are not immediate but have long-term debilitating effects such as growth and intellectual retardation and as such it does not receive the necessary attention it deserves. This study set out to assess the prevalence and associated factors of anaemia in under-five children in Zambia. Methods:This study was a secondary analysis of the 2021 Malaria Indicator Survey. We extracted data from the data sets at the National Malaria Elimination Centre after obtaining permission from the Ministry of Health. The extracted data was analysed in STATA14, summarised in frequencies, cross-tabulations between independent variables and the outcome and multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the associations between variables and anaemia. Findings:The prevalence of anaemia was found to be 53.8%. Anaemia was found to be associated more with children below one year compared to older children, children whose household heads had no or only have primary education compared to those with secondary or tertiary education and in the northern parts of the country such as Luapula and Northern provinces compared to the southern province. Further anaemia was more common in those with malaria than those without malaria and those with febrile illnesses than those without febrile illnesses. In addition, anaemia was less common in those who slept under insecticide-treated nets. Conclusion: Anaemia in Zambia has been found to be higher than the average in Southern Africa, it is associated with younger age groups, poverty conditions and where diseases like malaria and other febrile illnesses are more common than where they are not. The use of interventions like insecticide-treated nets is associated with reduced prevalence of anaemia.

Problématique de la prise en charge du paludisme chez les enfants de 0 à 5 ans dans le district sanitaire d'Abidjan: cas du versant gourou au plateau Dokui / Malaria management issues for children aged 0-5 years in the Abidjan health district the case of the guru slope in Dokui plateau

La présente étude analyse les réalités sociales de la prise en charge du paludisme chez les enfants de 0 à 5 ans vivants aux abords du versant gourou d'Abobo Plateau Dokui. Elle a permis de mettre en évidence d'une part, les déterminants sociaux du maintien des populations aux abords du versant gourou mais aussi les mécanismes de prévention voire de protection existant contre le paludisme. D'autre part, elle expose les perceptions socio-sanitaires des riverains du versant gourou face aux insuffisances de la prise en charge du paludisme des enfants de 0 à 5 ans. En outre, selon le principe de la saturation en recherche qualitative, les participants à ce travail ont été sélectionnés selon un recrutement direct et aléatoire sur place. Ainsi, 35 chefs de ménage ou leur représentant légitime, 08 leaders et/ou responsables communautaires et 05 professionnels de santé ont participé à la production des données. Les entretiens de type semi-directif ont été nécessaires pour la collecte des données sur le terrain. Diverses documentations écrites ont également été exploitées afin de circonscrire le problème de recherche. Précédés d'une transcription au terme de leur collecte, les données ont été traitées à travers l'analyse de contenu. Comme résultats, il ressort que les mesures de prévention se résument à la distribution et à la sensibilisation sur leur usage de moustiquaires imprégnées, mais aussi le recours des insecticides. Toutefois, la prise en charge médicale reste limitée car ce sont les parents eux-mêmes qui assurent les frais d'hospitalisation et de médications de leurs enfants.

This study analyzes the social realities of malaria management in children aged 0-5 living on the Abobo Plateau Dokui Guru Slope. It highlighted the social determinants of keeping people near the guru, as well as the prevention and protection mechanisms against malaria. On the other hand, it exposes the socio-health perceptions of residents living on the guru side of the river in the face of the inadequacies of malaria management for children aged 0 to 5 years. In addition, according to the principle of saturation in qualitative research, the participants in this work were selected according to adirect and random recruitment on the spot. For example,35 heads of households or their legitimate representatives, 08 community leaders and/or leaders and 05 health professionals were involved in the production of the data. Semi-directive interviews were required for field data collection. Various written documents have al so been used to identify the research problem. The data was processed through content analysis and was then transcribed when it was collected. The results show that prevention measures are limited to distributing and raising awareness about their use of insecticide-treated nets and also the use of insecticides. However, medical care remains limited as the parents themselves pay for their children's hospitalization and medication.

Prevalence and seroprevalence of COVID-19 in suspected malaria during the second wave in Yaounde, Cameroon

Background. The COVID-19 pandemic has added an additional burden in countries with already fragile health systems. Our objective was to determine the prevalence and seroprevalence of COVID-19 in suspected malaria during the second wave in Yaounde. Methods. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Jordan Medical Services for 8 weeks from April 19 to June 13, 2021, i.e., during the second wave in Cameroon. For the 86 patients with suspected malaria, nasopharyngeal and blood samples were taken for SARS-CoV-2 antigen and anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM using the STANDARD TM Q COVID-19 Ag kit from SD BIOSENSOR, Korea, 2020 and Standard TM Q COVID 19 Ac IgG/IgM kit from SD BIOSENSOR, Korea, 2020 respectively. Confirmation of malaria was done by microscopic examination of stained blood smears. Results. Malaria was confirmed in 20.9% (18) of cases. The prevalences of COVID-19 and COVID-19/malaria co-infection were 8.1% and 0.9% respectively. Of the 25.6% (54) of patients with anti-COVID-19 IgM, no positive microscopic cases were found. On the other hand, a little more than half of the patients had IgG antibodies against COVID-19 whether they had a positive thick drop or not (56.0% (42/75) and 52.2% (71/136) respectively). Conclusion. In case of suspicion of malaria in a malaria area, it seems important to consider COVID-19 as a differential diagnosis.

Introduction. La pandémie de la COVID-19 a ajouté un fardeau supplémentaire dans les pays aux systèmes de santé déjà fragiles. Objectif : déterminer la prévalence et la séroprévalence de la COVID-19 en cas de suspicion du paludisme au cours de la deuxième vagueà Yaoundé. Méthodologie. Une étude transversale descriptive a été menée au Centre Médical le Jourdain pendant 8 semaines du 19 Avril au 13 Juin 2021 soit durant la deuxième vague au Cameroun. Pour les 86 patients avec suspicion de paludisme, des prélèvements nasopharyngé et sanguins ont été réalisés pour la recherche d'antigène du SRAS- CoV 2 et des IgG et IgM anti-SARS-CoV-2 grâce aux kits STANDARDTM Q COVID-19 Ag de SD BIOSENSOR, Corée, 2020 et StandardTM Q COVID 19 Ac IgG/IgM de SD BIOSENSOR, Corée, 2020 respectivement. La confirmation du paludisme a été faite grâce à l'examen microscopique des étalements de sang colorés. Résultats. Le paludisme était confirmé dans 20,9% (18) des cas. Les prévalences de la COVID-19 et de la coïnfection COVID19/Paludisme étaient de 8,1% et de 0,9% respectivement. Sur les 25,6% (54) des patients avec des IgM anti-COVID-19, aucun cas de microscopie positive n'a été retrouvé. Par ailleurs un peu plus de la moitié des patients avaient des anticorps IgG anti-COVID-19 qu'ils aient une goutte épaisse positive ou pas soit 56,0% (42/75) et 52,2% (71/136) respectivement. Conclusion. En cas de suspicion du paludisme en zone impaludée, il parait non négligeable de considérer la COVID-19 comme un diagnostic différentiel.

Artemisinin drug resistance and monitoring: a narrative review

Artemisinin drug resistance is one of the major reasons for malaria treatment failures in the sub-Saharan African countries where artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) is the first-line treatment for uncomplicated malaria. The occurrence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) is found to correlate with antimalarial drug resistance. With artemisinin, the SNPs occurs at the Kelch 13-propeller gene locus on chromosome 13. The artemisinin drug resistance surveillance strategy involves continuous monitoring of Kelch 13-propeller biomarker to detect emergence of mutations which could herald drug resistance in the region. In this narrative review paper, we examined existing literature to bridge the knowledge gap and accentuate the importance of routine surveillance for artemisinin resistance in sub-Saharan Africa. We conducted our search on PubMed database and Google Scholar to identify peer-reviewed articles, reports, and abstracts on artemisinin drug resistance using the following keywords; 'artemisinin drug resistance', 'antimalarial drug resistance', 'artemisinin-based combination therapy', 'Kelch 13-propeller', 'K13- propeller gene', and 'K13 molecular marker'. The review provided pertinent information on artemisinin derivatives, artemisinin-based combination therapy, molecular action of artemisinin, definition of artemisinin resistance, genetic basis of artemisinin drug resistance and discovery of Kelch 13, and the importance of artemisinin resistance surveillance. Molecular surveillance can provide healthcare policy makers a forecast of impending threats to malaria treatment. This is more so when drugs are in combination therapy, for instance, molecular surveillance can give a hint that one drug is failing despite the fact that in combination, it is still apparently clinically effective.

Artemisinin drug resistance and monitoring: a narrative review

Artemisinin drug resistance is one of the major reasons for malaria treatment failures in the sub-Saharan African countries where artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) is the first-line treatment for uncomplicated malaria. The occurrence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) is found to correlate with antimalarial drug resistance. With artemisinin, the SNPs occurs at the Kelch 13-propeller gene locus on chromosome 13. The artemisinin drug resistance surveillance strategy involves continuous monitoring of Kelch 13-propeller biomarker to detect emergence of mutations which could herald drug resistance in the region. In this narrative review paper, we examined existing literature to bridge the knowledge gap and accentuate the importance of routine surveillance for artemisinin resistance in sub-Saharan Africa. We conducted our search on PubMed database and Google Scholar to identify peer-reviewed articles, reports, and abstracts on artemisinin drug resistance using the following keywords; 'artemisinin drug resistance', 'antimalarial drug resistance', 'artemisinin-based combination therapy', 'Kelch 13-propeller', 'K13- propeller gene', and 'K13 molecular marker'. The review provided pertinent information on artemisinin derivatives, artemisinin-based combination therapy, molecular action of artemisinin, definition of artemisinin resistance, genetic basis of artemisinin drug resistance and discovery of Kelch 13, and the importance of artemisinin resistance surveillance. Molecular surveillance can provide healthcare policy makers a forecast of impending threats to malaria treatment. This is more so when drugs are in combination therapy, for instance, molecular surveillance can give a hint that one drug is failing despite the fact that in combination, it is still apparently clinically effective.

La résistance aux médicaments à base d'artémisinine est l'une des principales raisons des échecs du traitement du paludisme dans les pays d'Afrique subsaharienne où la polythérapie à base d'artémisinine (ACT) est le traitement de première intention du paludisme simple. L'apparition de polymorphismes mononucléotidiques (SNP) est corrélée à la résistance aux médicaments antipaludiques. Avec l'artémisinine, les SNP se produisent au locus du gène Kelch 13- propeller sur le chromosome 13. La stratégie de surveillance de la résistance aux médicaments à base d'artémisinine implique une surveillance continue du biomarqueur Kelch 13-propeller pour détecter l'émergence de mutations qui pourraient annoncer une résistance aux médicaments dans la région. Dans cet article de revue narrative, nous avons examiné la littérature existante pour combler le manque de connaissances et accentuer l'importance de la surveillance de routine de la résistance à l'artémisinine en Afrique subsaharienne. Nous avons effectué notre recherche sur la base de données PubMed et Google Scholar pour identifier des articles, des rapports et des résumés évalués par des pairs sur la résistance aux médicaments à base d'artémisinine en utilisant les mots-clés suivants; «résistance aux médicaments à base d'artémisinine¼, «résistance aux médicaments antipaludiques¼, «thérapie combinée à base d'artémisinine¼, «Kelch 13-propeller¼, «gène K13-propeller¼ et «marqueur moléculaire K13¼. L'examen a fourni des informations pertinentes sur les dérivés de l'artémisinine, la polythérapie à base d'artémisinine, l'action moléculaire de l'artémisinine, la définition de la résistance à l'artémisinine, la base génétique de la résistance aux médicaments à base d'artémisinine et la découverte de Kelch 13, ainsi que l'importance de la surveillance de la résistance à l'artémisinine. La surveillance moléculaire peut fournir aux responsables des politiques de santé une prévision des menaces imminentes pour le traitement du paludisme. C'est d'autant plus vrai lorsque les médicaments sont en thérapie combinée, par exemple, la surveillance moléculaire peut donner un indice qu'un médicament échoue malgré le fait qu'en combinaison, il est toujours apparemment cliniquement efficace.

Rectal artesunate for severe malaria, implementation research, Zambia

Objective To determine whether the positive results of a single-district pilot project focused on rectal artesunate administration at the community level in Zambia could be replicated on a larger scale. Methods In partnership with government, in 10 rural districts during 2018­2021 we: (i) trained community health volunteers to administer rectal artesunate to children with suspected severe malaria and refer them to a health facility; (ii) supported communities to establish emergency transport, food banks and emergency savings to reduce referral delays; (iii) ensured adequate drug supplies; (iv) trained health workers to treat severe malaria with injectable artesunate; and (v) monitored severe malaria cases and associated deaths via surveys, health facility data and a community monitoring system. Results Intervention communities accessed quality-assured rectal artesunate from trained community health volunteers, and follow-on treatment for severe malaria from health workers. Based on formal data from the health management information system, reported deaths from severe malaria reduced significantly from 3.1% (22/699; 95% confidence interval, CI: 2.0­4.2) to 0.5% (2/365; 95% CI: 0.0­1.1) in two demonstration districts, and from 6.2% (14/225; 95% CI: 3.6­8.8) to 0.6% (2/321; 95% CI: 0.0­1.3) in eight scale-up districts. Conclusion Despite the effects of the coronavirus disease, our results confirmed that pre-referral rectal artesunate administered by community health volunteers can be an effective intervention for severe malaria among young children. Our results strengthen the case for wider expansion of the pre-referral treatment in Zambia and elsewhere when combined with supporting interventions.

Mort in utero tardive: fréquence, facteurs associés et méthodes de déclenchement du travail à Kisangani, République Démocratique du Congo / Late fetal death: frequency, associated factors and methods of labor induction in Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo

La mort fœtale tardive fait référence à la mort in utéro (MIU) de survenue spontanée à partir de 22 semaines d'aménorrhée (SA), mais avant tout début du travail d'accouchement, ce qui constitue une tragédie pour la mère, les membres de la famille et du personnel soignant. La présente étude a déterminé l'ampleur, les facteurs associés et les méthodes de déclenchement artificiel du travail d'accouchement sur MIU. Méthodes : Il s'est agi d'une étude transversale descriptive, multicentrique menée dans 3 hôpitaux de Kisangani, pendant une période de 3 ans. La collecte des données était rétrospective, des cas de MIU à partir de 28 SA. Résultats : La fréquence de MIU tardive était de 6,48%. Les principaux facteurs associés étaient l'infection urinaire (35,4%), le paludisme sur grossesse (27,5%) et l'hypertension artérielle gravidique (27,5%). Le taux de participation aux consultations prénatales (CPN) n'était que de 63,5 %. Les méthodes de déclenchement artificiel du travail d'accouchement utilisées étaient le Misoprostol (42,7%), l'ocytocine (17,7%) soit les deux combinées (25%). La césarienne était indiquée à un taux de 26,4%. Conclusion : la fréquence de MIU tardive est élevée à Kisangani. L'infection urinaire, le paludisme et l'hypertension artérielle en constituaient les principaux facteurs associés. Le Misoprostol était la méthode de déclenchement du travail les plus utilisées. Un suivi régulier des CPN pourrait réduire le taux de MIU.

Comparaison des coûts du traitement du paludisme en biomédecine et en médecine traditionnelle à Niono (Mali) / Comparison of costs of treatment of malaria in biomedicine and traditional medicine in Niono (Mali)

Introduction. Au Mali, la prise en charge du paludisme se fait à travers la médecine conventionnelle et la médecine traditionnelle, mais peu d'évaluation existe sur les implications fi nancières de ces approches qui coexistent et qui sont pratiqués parfois de manière concomitante. L'objectif de cette étude était d'évaluer les coûts fi nanciers de ces deux approches du point de vue des patients. Méthodes. Ainsi, une étude transversale descriptive impliquant des patients ont été sélectionnés dans trois aires de santé et plus précisément dans des ménages, structures de santé conventionnelle et chez les praticiens de la médecine traditionnelle de Niono, Sirabala et N'Debougou. Des questionnaires structurés ont été utilisés pour collecter des informations. Le calcul du coût de traitement a été utilisé pour comparer le coût moyen de traitement du paludisme en médecine conventionnelle et traditionnelle. Résultats. Au total, 300 patients ont été sélectionnés. 52,7% des patients avaient recouru à la médecine conventionnelle, contre 32% pour l'automédication et 15,3% pour la médecine traditionnelle. Les patients avaient utilisé les ressources de ces trois systèmes de santé pour quatre principaux motifs. Le coût moyen du traitement par épisode de paludisme était estimé à 12,97 Euro en médecine conventionnelle contre 6,24 Euros en médecine traditionnelle. Le coût moyen du traitement de paludisme en automédication à base de médicaments conventionnels ou traditionnels était de 0,82 Euros. Conclusion. Dans notre étude, même si le coût du traitement du paludisme en médecine conventionnelle reste plus élevé que celui en médecine traditionnelle, contrairement aux idées reçues, les coûts des ressources de la médecine traditionnelle ne sont pas aussi bas qu'on le croit.

Introduction. In Mali, malaria management is done through conventional and traditional medicine, but little evaluation exists on the fi nancial implications of these approaches which coexist and are sometimes practiced concomitantly. The objective of this study was to evaluate the fi nancial costs of these two approaches from the patients' point of view. Methods. Thus, a descriptive cross-sectional study involving patients selected in three health areas and more precisely in households, conventional health structures and traditional medicine practitioners in Niono, Sirabala and N'Debougou. Structured questionnaires were used to collect information. The calculation of the cost of treatment was used to compare the average cost of treating malaria in conventional and traditional medicine. Results. Finally, 300 patients were selectionned and 52.7% of patients had used conventional medicine, compared to 32% for self-medication and 15.3% for traditional medicine. Patients had used the resources of these three health systems for four main reasons. The average cost of treatment per malaria episode was estimated at 12.97 Euros for conventional medicine versus 6.24 Euros for traditional medicine. The average cost of treatment of malaria by self-medication with conventional or traditional medicines was 0.82 Euros. Conclusion. In our study, even if the cost of treating malaria with conventional medicine remains higher than with traditional medicine, contrary to popular belief, the resource costs of traditional medicine are not as low as one might think

Determination of knowledge, attitude, and practice of Chinese and local people towards malaria prevention in Kano State, Nigeria

To date, malaria is still a major public health issue in the world. Africa remains the most affected continent with the highest malaria cases and deaths. Since more than one thousand Chinese citizens are living in Nigeria, examination of their knowledge, attitude, and practice compared with those of the local people may be essential towards malaria prevention. This study adopted cross-sectional research. A total of 137 Chinese people and 299 local people residing in Kano State, Nigeria constituted the study subjects. A questionnaire was used for the collection of data on socio-demography and predictors of attitudes. The Cronbach alpha statistic was used to analyze these data. Insecticide spraying, mosquito repellents, wearing protective clothing at night are the malaria preventive measures by both the local and Chinese people living in Kano state, Nigeria. However, there is a significant difference (p < 0.05) between the two groups, with a duration of stay in Nigeria, the use of mosquito, attitude, and practices playing impactful roles among the Chinese people. Hence, Chinese people demonstrated better knowledge and control of malaria transmission and prevention than the local people living in Kano state. In conclusion, attitudes and practices toward malaria diseases are the major causes of a high rate of malaria in Nigeria, particularly in Kano State.

Disability inclusion in malaria services in western Tanzania: A rapid barrier analysis

Background: Persons with disabilities generally face greater challenges in accessing healthcare and interventions compared with the general population. Malaria is one of the diseases that can seriously affect individuals with disabilities, as it requires early diagnosis and prompt treatment. Objective: This study explores the extent to which locally available malaria services and interventions are inclusive of persons with disabilities and identifies associated access barriers. Method: A qualitative case study focusing on social, cultural and health system factors associated with the inclusion of persons with disabilities in malaria services was conducted in Kigoma Region, western Tanzania. Thematic analysis of emerging themes identified barriers affecting access to locally available malaria services and interventions. Results: Inclusion of persons with disabilities in planning, implementation and reporting of health issues in different malaria programmes was reported to be limited. Persons with disabilities were unable to access malaria services because of different barriers such as the distance of the service provision sites, communication and information issues and a lack of financial resources. Conclusion: Persons with disabilities are widely excluded from malaria care provision across the entire health services paradigm, impacting access and utilisation to this vulnerable population. Barriers to malaria service access among persons with disabilities were physical, attitudinal, financial and informational. Contribution: The findings of this study identify that malaria intervention stakeholders need to take a holistic approach and fully involve individuals with disabilities at all levels and scope of malaria service planning and provision.

Artemisinin-based antimalarial combination therapy amongst healthcare professionals in a tertiary facility in south-south Nigeria: preferences, tolerability, and cost considerations

Background: Nigeria adopted the Artemisinin-Based Combination Therapy (ACT) as the mainstay of treating uncomplicated malaria in February 2005. However, the individual preferences for the use of these medicines by health care professionals (HCP) as distinct from their observed prescribing practices is largely unknown. This study determined the preferences, tolerability and cost of the ACTs among HCP in Benin-City. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin-City, Nigeria. Consenting HCPs were recruited consecutively for the study. Semi structured questionnaires were administered to doctors, nurses and pharmacists in the hospital. Information obtained included demographics, treatment of malaria in the previous year, antimalarial medication preferences and tolerability as well as cost of ACT. Results: A total of 556 HCPs, 295 doctors (54.1%), nurses 200 (36.0%), pharmacists 61(11.0%) completed the questionnaire. In the previous year, 224 (75.9%) doctors, 153 (79.1%) nurses, and 48 (70.5%) pharmacists had treatment for malaria and self-medication was highest among doctors (228,77.3%). Artemether-Lumenfantrine was the most preferred antimalarial used, 294 (52.8%); however, 1.6% used chloroquine sulphate and ACTs were perceived to be ineffective by 25.4%. Adverse effects were experienced by 167 (29.1%) resulting in 50 (9.0%) discontinuing their medication. Between 500 and 1500 Naira (~US$1-4) was expended on ACT by 66.3% of the staff, while 21.4% were concerned about the high cost of medications. Conclusion: This study highlights the use and preferences, self-medication practices, perceived lack of effectiveness and high cost of ACTs from a HCP perspective. There is an urgent need to address these concerns in view of adverse consequences as well as the likely possibility of its the impact on prescribing practices.

Clinical and haematological determinants of outcome among children with cerebral malaria in a tertiary centre in Nigeria

Background: Many clinical and haematological changes occur as a result of severe malaria, of which cerebral malaria (CM) is a common entity. These changes affect virtually all organs and systems of the body. We identify various clinical and haematological determinants of outcome in CM so as to institute proactive management of such children.Methods: All children who met World Health Organization (WHO) diagnostic criteria for CM over 8 month-period were prospectively studied. The presenting symptoms and its duration, detailed physical examination and laboratory parameters were obtained. Logistic regression was employed to determine the prognostic significance of various clinical and laboratory parameters. Outcome indicators were full recovery, alive with neurological sequelae or death of the children. Results: Of the 892 children admitted into the Children Emergency Unit (CEU) over the study period, 50 (5.6%) had CM with M: F ratio of 1:1 and age range of 6 months to 12 years. Sixty percent were aged less than 5 years. The defining symptoms were fever (100%), coma (100%) and convulsion (98%). Forty-one (82%) patients survived, while nine (18%) died. Of the 41 survivors, 30 (73.2%) recovered fully, while 11 (26.8%) had neurological deficits at discharge. Identified clinical and laboratory predictors of mortality and neurological sequelae in CM included Blantyre coma score of 0-2(p = 0.018) prolonged coma recovery time > 26 hours (p = 0.026), abnormal breathing pattern (p = 0.0124), absent corneal reflex (p = 0.012), absent pupillary reflex (p = 0.012), depressed tendon reflex (p = 0.028), hyperreflexia (p =0.014), retinal haemorrhage (p =0.001), duration of admission (p=0.000), hyper parasitaemia (p=0.001), hypoglycemia (p= 0.014) and leucocytosis (p = 0.008). Independent determinants of immediate post-recovery neurological deficits and death were hyper-parasitaemia (OR = 8.657, p = 0.017.) and leucocytosis (OR = 1.090; p = 0.035 Conclusion: CM is a potentially reversible encephalopathy associated with high mortality and sequelae. Affected children with the above listed clinical / haematological parameters especially hyperparasitemia and leucocytosis should be given proactive management to improve the outcome.

Features of malaria among patients HIV infected in a Department of Infectious Diseases in Bamako

Introduction. We studied malaria in HIV infected subjects hospitalized in the department of infectious diseases at Point G Teaching Hospital in Mali, with the objective to have current data on malaria in patients infected by HIV. Materials and methods. We conducted a prospective study from October, 1st 2016 to September 30th 2018 in patients seropositive for HIV having positive thick smear for Plasmodium and hospitalized in the department of infectious diseases at Point G Teaching Hospital. We collected sociodemographic, clinical and lab data form those patients. Data have been entered and analyzed using SPSS20.0 software. Results. Hospital frequency of malaria among People living with HIV was 24.4% (151/618). This population has a mean-age of 44.1±12.4 y/o and a sex ratio (M/F) of 0.86. Majority of patients were at WHO stage IV of HIV infection (63.4%). Symptoms were by decreasing frequency: fever (98.3%); headache (86.4%); anorexia (72.9%); asthenia (61.0%) and vomiting (42.4%). the mean parasitemia was 172.9±352.1 trophozoite/mm3 . Mean hemoglobin level was 9.1±3.2 g/dl and the mean CD4 count was 9±3 cell/mm3 . Severe malaria was independent from WHO HIV stage and from immunologic deficiency. The malaria treatment when correctly followed conduct to good improvement of the anemia (p = 0.03) and the negativity of the parasitemia (p = 0.00). Death in our HIV patient is linked to association with severe malaria (p = 0,012). Conclusion. Malaria is relatively common and severe among PLWHA in Mali. Prompt treatment is still effective and must be implemented to ensure a good prognosis. Despite cotrimoxazole chemoprophylaxis, a certain number of PLHIV suffer from malaria, raising the hypothesis of plasmodium resistance to antifolates.

Socio-economic status as predictors of malaria transmission in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. A retrospective study

Background: Understanding the socioeconomic status that influences malaria transmission in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa is vital in creating policies and strategies to combat malaria transmission, improve socioeconomic conditions and strengthen the malaria elimination campaign. Objectives: To determine the relationship between socioeconomic status and malaria incidence in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Methods: Socioeconomic information (gender, age, no formal education, no electricity, no toilet facilities, unemployment) and malaria data for 2011 were obtained from Statistics South Africa and the malaria control program of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa respectively. The analysis was conducted employing the Bayesian multiple regression model. Results: The obtained posterior samples show that all the variables employed in this study were significant and positive predictors of malaria disease at 95% credible interval. The low socioeconomic status that exhibited the strongest association with malaria risk was lack of toilet facilities (odd ratio =12.39; 95% credible interval = 0.61, 24.36). This was followed by no formal education (odd ratio =11.11; 95% credible interval = 0.51, 24.10) and lack of electricity supply (odd ratio =8.94; 95% credible interval = 0.31, 23.21) respectively. Conclusions: Low socioeconomic status potentially sustains malaria transmission and burden. As an implication, poverty alleviation and malaria intervention resources should be incorporated side by side into the socioeconomic framework to attain zero malaria transmission.

The current use of the artemisinin-based combination therapies in adult patients at a tertiary hospital, South-South Nigeria

Objective:The antimalarial preferences, tolerability, and cost of the Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) among adult patients and caregivers are largely understudied despite being the recommendedtreatment for Plasmodium falciparum.We, therefore, evaluated antimalarial preferences, tolerability, and cost of the ACTs among adult patients attending the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. Methods:This was a cross-sectional study conducted among adult patients and their caregivers atthe University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria,using a semi-structured questionnaire. Their preferred antimalarial medication, previous use of antimalarial monotherapies, current ACT use; cost considerations, and adverse effects profile were sought.Result:Six hundred respondents were recruited with a mean age of 41.4±16.3years and M/F ratio of 1.4. The majority (88.0%), reported that they had between 1-5 episodes of malaria fever in a year. Only 28.2% received doctors' prescriptions while 85.8% purchased their antimalarial medications from a pharmacy. Sixty percent of the respondents used at least one ACT; mainly Artemether-Lumefantrine (AL) 312(52.0%). Only 9.3% reported previous adverse effects with the ACTs with 4.0% of respondents discontinuing their medications. The mean (SD) cost of purchasing ACTs was 1,516.47±760.3 (3.65 USD) Naira.Conclusion: This study showed adult patients' preference for the ACTs, especially Artemether-Lumefantrine despite some inclination towards antimalarial monotherapies and parenteral route. There was also a high rate of use of malaria presumptive treatment, but only a few reported adverse effects. There is a need to make ACTs affordable because the cost is still presently high for most Nigerians.

Seasonal malaria chemoprevention coverage in Burkina Faso in 2018: Descriptive analysis of mothers' knowledge and attitude during cross sectional survey

Seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) is effective to prevent malaria in children 3 to 59 months in the Sahel region. Mother's seasonal malaria chemoprevention related knowledge and attitudes and the coverage of the strategy among targeted children were assessed. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 1828 children aged 3 to 59 months from November 7 to 18, 2018 in eight health regions of Burkina Faso where SMC was implemented with Malaria Consortium supported fund. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and direct inspection of SMC card. MAGPI software was used for data collection and STATA 12.0 was used for the analysis. A total of 1828 children 3 to 59 months were enrolled and 951 mothers interviewed on different aspects of SMC. Overall, the SMC coverage was high for single cycle or for cumulative coverage basis. Single cycle coverage increased over rounds, from mother and tutor's interview (from 87.09% (1592/1828) to 91.19% (1667/1828); p=0.001). Over 91.18% (869/951) knew that SMC objective was to prevent malaria. Overall SMC was well tolerated and most 95.2% (296/320) of mothers and tutors surveyed owned treated bed nets. Despite combining high coverage and treated bed-net use, at least 16.19% remained rapid diagnosis test positives during the survey. SMS coverage was high in the current survey and most mothers knew the relevance of SMC administration with high bed-net coverage.

Factors associated with community engagement in areas with high and low incidence of local malaria cases in Zanzibar

Introduction: the prevalence of asymptomatic infection in the general population in Zanzibar has declined from above 25% in 2005 to less than 1% in 2010. Despite these achievements, in 2021, the number of malaria cases increased by two folds. This study aimed at understanding the levels of community engagement towards malaria elimination and factors associated with them to provide recommendations that can be used to reinforce community engagement. Methods: a descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted using structured questionnaires to 431 randomly selected households. The interviewees were the heads of households or representative adults above 18 years. Univariate and multivariate analysis was done to determine the association between social demographic characteristics, malaria knowledge, practicing malaria prevention interventions and status of community engagement. Statistical significance test was declared at P- value <0.05. Results: of all respondents, 261 (60.6%) were not engaged in either planning or implementation of malaria interventions, of which 120 (45.9%) participants were in the high malaria transmission and 141 (54.0%) from the low malaria transmission (P=0.018). Factors significantly associated with increased odds of community engagement were the level of knowledge on malaria (P= 0.002) and factors independently associated with reduced odds of community engagement was the level of malaria burden (P= 0.01). Conclusion: level of malaria knowledge and malaria burden were associated with community engagement. There is a need to increase malaria knowledge in the community based on the existing gaps as this study suggests that having high malaria knowledge can significantly contribute to increased opportunity for community engagement.