Malaria Diagnosis in the Community: Challenges and Potential Role of Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) in the African Region

ABSTRACT

At present; malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are widely available and used in parts of Asia and Latin America. In Africa; their use has been limited mainly to private health facilities. With the adoption of artemisinin combination therapies (ACTs) by most African countries as first line treatment for malaria; an effective; but expensive treatment is available; and the case for an expanded role for rapid diagnostics in the fight against malaria is clear. Despite this perceived potential role for RDTs; some challenges hinder their introduction and scale-up in the public health sector. Among the requirements are significant investments in policy development; training; infrastructure; and supply chain and quality assurance systems