Malaria morbidity in Sindh and the plasmodium species distribution

ABSTRACT

To determine the prevalence of Malarial parasites and species responsible in Sindh Province of Pakistan. It is a cross sectional descriptive study conducted in all Districts of Sindh during January 2002 to December 2006. It was based on surveillance data of Malaria control program Sindh in which blood smears from febrile cases in all age group of male and female were seen by facility microscopist in all districts. Senior microscopist rechecked all positive slides. All slides data of different districts of Sindh was reported on monthly basis to provisional centre at Hyderabad for compiling and analysis. During 2002-2006, out of 5.84 million slides, those with positive malarial parasites were approx. 0.16 million giving an average blood examination rate [BER] 4.46, slide positivity rate [SPR] 2.94, Falciparum ratio[FR] was 41%, annual parasite incidences [API] was 1.36. More cases were seen in post monsoon season. All basic indicators of Malaria disease are higher than optimum level. Estimated burden can be much higher, Roll Back Malaria goals are lagging far behind to reduce the disease burden. As such integrated approach of diagnosis, treatment and prevention is required