Malaria Journal最新文献

{"title":"Care-seeking behaviour of caregivers for suspected malaria in under-five children in a Southwestern State of Nigeria.","authors":"Omotola T Akinrinade, Elvis E Isere, IkeOluwapo O Ajayi","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05433-3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12936-025-05433-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Effective malaria control in under-five children depends on caregivers seeking timely medical care. However, despite available healthcare services, many caregivers do not utilize health facilities, undermining malaria control efforts. This study assessed care-seeking behaviour of caregivers for suspected malaria in under-five children and associated factors in a southwest state of Nigeria.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in Ondo State, Southwestern Nigeria. The study areas were Ifedore, Ondo East, and Idanre Local Government Areas (LGAs) randomly selected from the eighteen LGAs in Ondo state. A multistage sampling technique was used to select participants and data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to analyse the data, with logistic regression identifying significant predictors of care-seeking behaviour of caregivers of under-five children at p-value < 0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study included 301 caregivers of under-five children, predominantly aged 26-45 years (69.4%), males were 50.8% compared to females (49.2%) and 66.1% residing in rural areas. While 84.4% of caregivers identified infected mosquito bites as the cause of malaria, and 98.3% recognized fever as a main symptom, only 51.2% demonstrated good overall knowledge of malaria and symptoms in under-five children. Although 94.0% of caregivers suspected malaria in their under-five children within 12 months prior to the study, however, only 9.3% visited a health facility for treatment of their under-five children. In contrast, 37.4% purchased drugs from patent medicine vendors and pharmacies, while 25.2% used herbs for home management. Bivariate analysis showed significant associations between health facility visits and being a female caregiver (p = 0.009), urban residence (p = 0.002), residing within 5 km of a facility (p = 0.021), and good malaria knowledge (p = 0.033). Multivariate logistic regression indicated that female caregivers (aOR = 3.32, 95% CI 1.29-8.54), urban residents (aOR = 4.25, 95% CI 1.72-10.48), residing within 5 km of a health facility (aOR = 3.38, 95% CI 1.03-11.07), and those with good malaria knowledge (aOR = 4.16, 95% CI 1.61-10.77) were significant predictors of visiting a health facility for malaria care for under-five children with suspected malaria by caregivers.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study revealed low utilization of health facilities by caregivers seeking malaria treatment for under-five children with suspected malaria. Therefore, targeted community awareness campaigns are recommended to encourage caregivers to seek prompt, facility-based malaria care for under five children. Furthermore, in hard-to-reach or underserved rural areas with limited access to healthcare services, training and sensitization programmes for caregivers on appropriate home-based management of malaria including ","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"318"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145238773","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Efficacy and safety of artemether-lumefantrine (AL) and artesunate-amodiaquine (ASAQ) for the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Liberia, 2022-2023.","authors":"Victor S Koko, Laura Skrip, Odell Kumeh, Trokon Washington, Mamadou O Diallo, Jessica Kafuko, Uwem Inyang, Gabriel F Ponce de León, Zhiyong Zhou, Veronika R Laird, Jethro Zawolo, Birhanu Getahun, Wahdae-Mai Harmon-Gray, Mateusz Plucinski, Jonathan S Schultz","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05576-3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12936-025-05576-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Artemether-lumefantrine (AL) is currently the first-line treatment for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Liberia. To ensure antimalarial treatments are effective, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends routinely testing the efficacy of oral artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) for uncomplicated malaria using therapeutic efficacy studies (TES) every two years. The most recent TES in Liberia conducted from December 2017 to May 2018 reported a PCR-corrected adequate clinical and parasitological response (ACPR) of 90.2% in Bensonville and 92.7% in Saclepea for artesunate-amodiaquine (ASAQ), and 100% in Kakata and Sinje for AL. Due to these findings AL was prioritized over ASAQ as the first-line ACT in Liberia. However, ASAQ is commonly available in Liberia and remains highly efficacious in other West African countries.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The therapeutic efficacy of AL and ASAQ were evaluated using the standard WHO TES protocol in Saclepea and Sinje, Liberia, from August 2022 to July 2023. Eligible children aged 6 - 59 months with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria infection (2,000-200,000 asexual parasites/μL) were recruited, treated with AL or ASAQ at each site, and monitored clinically and parasitologically for 28 days.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 1,630 children were screened for eligibility and 305 were enrolled. Among enrolled children, 152 were treated with AL (78 in Sacleapea and 74 in Sinje) and 153 were treated with ASAQ (77 in Sacleapea and 76 in Sinje). Of the enrolled children, 299 (98%) reached a study endpoint or completed the 28 days of follow up. No adverse events were reported for either AL or ASAQ during the study period. The proportion of participants with parasitaemia on day 3 of follow up was 1.3% (2/153) for ASAQ, and 0% (0/151) treated with AL. The PCR-corrected ACPR at day 28 was 100% in Saclepea and 95.9% (95CI 88.0%-98.7%) in Sinje for AL, and 100% in Saclepea and 94.4% (95CI 85.9%-97.9%) in Sinje for ASAQ.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The PCR-corrected ACPR efficacy greater than the 90% WHO threshold, and day 3 slide positivity rate demonstrate that AL and ASAQ are both effective treatments for uncomplicated malaria in Liberia.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"319"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145238728","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Leveraging machine learning to predict mosquito bed net utilization among women of reproductive age in sub-Saharan Africa.","authors":"Nebebe Demis Baykemagn, Tesfahun Zemene Tafere, Getachew Teshale, Andualem Yalew Aschalew, Melak Jejaw, Kaleb Assegid Demissie, Azmeraw Tadele, Asebe Hagos, Misganaw Guadie Tiruneh, Jenberu Mekurianew Kelkay","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05563-8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12936-025-05563-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Malaria remains a major public health challenge, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where women of reproductive age are especially vulnerable during pregnancy and childbirth. To identify key predictors and improve predictive accuracy, machine learning algorithms such as Random Forest were applied, along with SHAP analysis, to a large multi-country DHS dataset, with class imbalance addressed using Tomek Links and Random Over-Sampling.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study employed a weighted dataset of 153,015 participants from the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) conducted across ten sub-Saharan African countries. Data preprocessing and analysis were carried out using STATA version 17 and Python 3.10. Feature scaling was applied to standardize numerical variables, ensuring uniform weighting across predictors and improving model stability. An 80:20 data split ratio was applied, and class imbalance was addressed using Tomek Links combined with Random Over-Sampling. Eight models were selected and trained using both balanced and unbalanced datasets. The model performance was evaluated using metrics such as ROC-AUC, accuracy, recall, F1 score, and precision.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The Random Forest algorithm performed best in this study, with an accuracy of 83%, an F1 score of 82%, recall of 80%, precision of 84%, and an AUC of 88%. Fifty-five percent of participants used mosquito nets. The SHAP analysis showed that Age above 34, being employed, frequent social media use, higher education, institutional deliveries, and female-headed households increased bed net use, while fewer ANC visits and being divorced decreased its use.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Age above 34, being employed, frequent social media use, higher education, institutional deliveries, and female-headed households increased bed net use, while fewer ANC visits and being divorced decreased its use. Strengthening social media use for health information, promoting women's education, encouraging institutional delivery, motivate for antenatal care services, and providing support to socially and economically vulnerable women are essential strategies to enhance mosquito net utilization.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"317"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145238781","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Malária incubada: a mixed methods analysis on knowledge and experiences on Plasmodium vivax and asymptomatic malaria infections in a hard-to-reach and mobile population in the Amazon.","authors":"Lorraine Plessis, Irene Jimeno Maroto, Yann Lambert, Muriel Galindo, Teddy Bardon, Stephen Vreden, Martha Suarez-Mutis, Amanda Figueira, Jane Miller Bordalo, Maylis Douine, Alice Sanna","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05566-5","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05566-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>As the Americas move towards malaria elimination, its circulation is increasingly concentrated in isolated communities with poor access to healthcare, and the silent human reservoir is a challenge (particularly for Plasmodium vivax). The deployment of tafenoquine for radical treatment is an important new asset. The CUREMA project evaluates a complex intervention aiming at malaria elimination in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) communities of the Guiana Shield Region. A pre-intervention assessment was conducted to explore ASGM populations' knowledge and perceptions of asymptomatic Plasmodium carriage and P. vivax malaria.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The target population was the ASGM community working across Suriname, French Guiana and Amapá (Brazil). Data was collected in 2022 in ASGM cross-border staging areas, during the CUREMA pre-intervention qualitative and quantitative (cross-sectional) surveys. This analysis explores knowledge, experiences and representations on asymptomatic plasmodial carriage, recurrences and P. vivax infections.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The qualitative survey included 25 semi-structured interviews, 14 group interviews and 38 informal conversations. The quantitative survey included 539 participants, mostly men (73.5%), with a median age of 38 years. Almost all the participants recognized mosquitoes as vectors of malaria, and a fraction recognized a microorganism as the causative agent of the disease. Awareness of asymptomatic forms of the disease (\"malária incubada\") and of risk of recurrences was common, and they were generally considered to be the result of inadequate treatment. Most participants could identify different types of malaria, but knowledge about P. vivax characteristics and radical treatment was limited.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Understanding the interpretation of the disease by affected communities is essential to develop context-specific strategies and for enhancing acceptability and effectiveness of malaria elimination efforts. Trial registration NCT05540470 on clinical trials.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"316"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12495725/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145225576","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mapping of access and usage of insecticide-treated nets in Nigeria.","authors":"Faith Eshofonie, Osafu Augustine Egbon, Ezra Gayawan","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05457-9","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05457-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Malaria remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria with children under five years of age and pregnant women possessing the highest risk. Preventive efforts including indoor residual spraying (IRS) and insecticide-treated nets (ITN) have been implemented over the years but issues such as limited funding, low net coverage, and cultural barriers have hindered progress. This study analyses ITN ownership and usage trends across Nigeria to assess local-level variations and differences based on household size.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study used data from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) and the Nigeria Malaria Indicators Survey (NMIS) to analyse access and usage trends over seven distinct years (2003, 2008, 2013, 2018, 2010, 2015, and 2020). A Bayesian spatio-temporal model was applied to capture variations in access and usage. The model was estimated using Integrated Nested Laplace Approximation (INLA).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The results highlight significant geographic and temporal variations in access to and use of bed nets, with notable disparities between northern and southern regions. For women of reproductive age, access to bed nets increased over time, particularly in northern states; however, usage remained generally low, especially in the south. Pregnant women exhibited similar patterns, with higher access in northern states but low usage overall, particularly in the southern regions. For children under five, usage increased in some northern states but remained low in the south, creating a clear north-south divide. Additionally, bed net availability at the household level remains low overall.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The study underscores the need for targeted public health interventions to address regional disparities in access and use of bed nets in Nigeria. Promoting consistent use of bed nets through tailored awareness campaigns and overcoming cultural barriers will be crucial in reducing malaria burden.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"315"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12495780/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145225590","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Delivering an insecticide-treated net campaign in a complex operating environment: lessons from Anambra state, Nigeria.","authors":"Laitan Adeniyi, Kunle Rotimi, Elisabeth G Chestnutt, Abiola O Oluwagbemiga, Saliu Ogunmola, Nonso Ndibe, Olusola Oresanya, Julianna Smith, Kolawole Maxwell, Tarekegn A Abeku","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05529-w","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05529-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Malaria is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in Nigeria. Distribution of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) is an important vector control strategy. In 2022, despite security challenges and COVID-19 restrictions, an ITN distribution was implemented in Anambra state. This paper describes the adaptations made to the ITN distribution campaign to ensure the safety of personnel, communities and property during implementation.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Following national COVID-19 guidelines, the ITN campaign implemented a single-phase door-to-door distribution strategy. In May 2022, security risk categorization activity was carried out prior to the campaign to determine risk levels in each local government area (LGA) in the state. All LGAs and wards were classified into three risk categories as either high, medium or low. A set of adaptations were made to mitigate risk during the delivery of ITNs in high-risk locations. High risk LGAs were characterized by limited activities with comprehensive coordination involving both security agencies and existing community structures. The security situation in each LGA and ward was monitored during the campaign to ensure the correct set of actions were followed throughout.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>After conducting risk categorization, 11 out of the 21 LGAs in Anambra state were classified as high security risk. The adapted campaign strategy was implemented across all 11 LGAs. During the campaign 3,850,316 ITNs were delivered to 1,245,548 households across all 21 LGAs in the state. Engaging with community leaders and security agencies during the planning and implementation phases was critical for ensuring the safe delivery of ITNs to households in high-risk areas. Working with distributors from within the community and consistent use of communication technologies also helped to reduce the risk to personnel and supported the monitoring of the security situation and the progress of the distribution within each LGA.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Despite the insecurity in parts of Anambra state, ITNs were delivered to households in all LGAs. Engaging with existing community structures and appropriate use of technology can help to deliver malaria prevention interventions in security-compromised areas. The lessons from this campaign can help to inform and improve the strategies of future ITN distribution campaigns in complex operating environments.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"313"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12492520/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145212376","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Malaria in pregnancy: a holistic exploration of synergistic association through environmental, sociocultural, and socioeconomic lenses in Pru east municipality, Ghana.","authors":"Dennis Bardoe, Daniel Hayford, Robert Bagngmen Bio, Ernest Osei","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05575-4","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05575-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Malaria in pregnancy (MiP) is responsible for several maternal and neonatal complications. Despite the renewed dedication towards elimination and eradication, it is still endemic in Ghana. Although previous studies have examined MiP from clinical or epidemiological standpoints, gaps remain in understanding the interactions between determinants of transmission. This study examined the synergistic association between environmental, sociocultural, and socioeconomic determinants of MiP.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted among 456 pregnant women in the Pru East Municipality from April to August 2024. Data were collected using serological screening and a structured, closed-ended questionnaire and were analysed with STATA 17 and IBM SPSS AMOS 29. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, logistic regression, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modelling (SEM) were employed as part of statistical analyses. CFA and SEM were employed to validate multidimensional latent constructs and assess their interdependent and synergistic association within a single analytical framework. A significant level was set at (p < 0.05) at a 95% confidence interval (CI).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Overall, the prevalence of MiP was 21.5% (95% CI 17.7-25.3), with Plasmodium falciparum (14.7%) being the most prevalent species. A co-infection by Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium malariae was also found at 3.5%. High Plasmodium parasitaemia was observed in 6.4% of infected women. Moreover, all factor loadings for the three determinants showed significance (p < 0.001) and a high internal consistency. The SEM also yielded good fitness (NFI 0.998, GFI 0.994, AGFI 0.996, CFI 0.984, RMSEA 0.048). Key environmental (proximity to stagnant water, refuse sites, Volta Lake, livestock shelters), sociocultural (spiritual attribution, illness confusion, plant repellents, outdoor sleeping), and socioeconomic (rural residence, delayed ANC initiation, limited media exposure, LLIN use, IPTp-SP uptake, health insurance) factors were strongly associated with MiP. Importantly, the structural model showed that these three domains were moderately to strongly correlated, confirming their synergistic influence on MiP.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Malaria control strategies should go beyond biomedical interventions to incorporate community-based environmental management, sociocultural engagement, and socioeconomic empowerment. Such a multidimensional approach is essential to achieving sustainable reductions in malaria burden among vulnerable populations and improving health outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"314"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12492768/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145212385","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence and risk factors associated with infections caused by Plasmodium parasites at micro-geographic level in three villages of Muheza district in Tanga region, north-eastern Tanzania.","authors":"Daniel P Challe, Filbert Francis, Misago D Seth, Juma B Tupa, Rashid A Madebe, Celine I Mandara, Emmanuel S Kigadye, Vedastus W Makene, Deus S Ishengoma","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05506-3","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05506-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Malaria burden in Tanzania has recently become heterogeneous, with a higher burden in some regions than in others. This suggests that stratification of transmission intensities and predictors of risk factors associated with infections caused by Plasmodium parasites is critical to guide proper use of the current and future interventions. This study assessed the prevalence and predictors of /risk factors associated with Plasmodium parasite infections at micro-geographic levels in three villages of Muheza district, Tanga region, north-eastern Tanzania.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional community survey was conducted in June 2021 and covered three villages: Magoda, Mpapayu, and Mamboleo from Muheza district in Tanga region. Finger prick blood samples were taken for parasite detection using microscopy and rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). A generalized estimating equation (GEE) was used to determine the association between the prevalence and predictors/risk factors of Plasmodium parasite infections.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The survey recruited 1134 individuals from 380 households and most of them (95.2%) reported that they slept under bed nets the night before the survey. By both microscopy and RDTs, the prevalence of infections caused by Plasmodium parasite was 19.2% and 24.3%, respectively. The prevalence was significantly higher among school children (aged 5 to  < 15 years, with 27.3% by microscopy and 37.6% by RDTs) compared to under-fives and adults (aged ≥ 15 years) (p < 0.001). Participants from households with closed eaves were less likely to be infected by Plasmodium parasites as detected by RDTs (AOR = 0.91; 95% CI, 0.85-0.97; p < 0.001). Among the three villages, the prevalence by microscopy ranged from 14.7% to 24.6% and varied significantly across villages, indicating high heterogeneity and random distribution of malaria at micro-geographic levels (p = 0.001). For RDTs, the prevalence ranged from 24.1% to 34.9%, but the differences of the prevalence in the three villages were not statistically significant (p = 0.422).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study villages had a high prevalence, and the risk of Plasmodium parasite infections was higher in school children (aged 5 to < 15 years). The prevalence and risk of infections varied significantly among the villages which are located next to each other suggesting high variations at micro-geographic levels. These findings will be useful in future planning of malaria stratification and targeting of interventions to high-risk groups and areas, as part of the strategies for malaria elimination by 2030.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"312"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12487162/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145206835","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Social and behavioural considerations for responding to Anopheles stephensi in Africa: a scoping review.","authors":"Gabrielle C Hunter, Jayme Hughes, Sarah Zohdy, Melissa Yoshimizu, Shelby Cash, Leticia Emi Ebihara, Bridget Higginbotham, April Monroe","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05557-6","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05557-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Anopheles stephensi has been identified in multiple African countries over the past decade. Unlike malaria vectors endemic to Africa, invasive An. stephensi shares characteristics with Aedes aegypti, including laying eggs in artificial containers near human dwellings, particularly in urban areas. These characteristics pose a threat to malaria control and elimination and shape needed interventions, including the role of individuals, households, and communities. Due to the urgency to develop strategies for the African context, this scoping review sought to identify social and behaviour change (SBC) considerations for responding to An. stephensi in Africa, by synthesizing information currently available, leveraging lessons from Anopheles and Aedes control, to inform evidence-based guidance.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The review included core interventions promoted for malaria (insecticide-treated nets, indoor residual spraying, and care-seeking for fever) and larval source management (LSM) interventions. A systematic search of four online databases (PubMed; EMBASE; Global Health; and Global index medicus) used intervention-specific terms defined a priori. Peer-reviewed articles published from 2000 to 2021, with a description of individual, household, or community behaviour and/or participation in one or more core or LSM interventions were included. For LSM interventions, included articles related to control of malaria and Aedes-borne infections.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 3,306 articles screened, 42 met inclusion criteria. Twenty-seven were malaria control studies with two on An. stephensi. Fourteen publications targeted Ae. aegypti and one did not specify vectors. In low transmission contexts, malaria-related prevention behaviours tend to be practiced at lower rates, underscoring the need to address the factors driving these behaviours and effectively tailor SBC to the needs of higher risk groups. It is also critical to create early and meaningful partnerships with affected communities. Finally, highly specific guidance for governments, communities, and households is paramount, particularly for LSM interventions, as missing any specific step in the necessary behaviours for these interventions will reduce their potential effectiveness.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The dearth of An. stephensi-specific articles underscores the need for further research and documentation as countries respond to the threat. This review highlights the importance of tailoring SBC to groups experiencing higher risk, like those moving between higher and lower transmission areas or working in construction sites. Learnings from Aedes control provides valuable insights into LSM for An. stephensi and opportunities for integrated approaches to SBC, including multi-sectoral collaboration, partnership with community leaders and civil society.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"311"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12487413/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145205880","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Malaria epidemiology in the Korhogo area, Northern Côte d'Ivoire: baseline assessment prior to a randomized controlled trial.","authors":"N'cho Bertin Tchiekoi, Mahugnon Barnabas Zogo, Ludovic P Ahoua Alou, Anthony Somé, Diloma Dieudonné Soma, Issa Coulibaly, Aboubacar Koné, Florence Fournet, Paul Taconet, Amal Dahounto, Lamine Baba-Moussa, Roch K Dabiré, Nicolas Moiroux, Alphonsine A Koffi, Cédric Pennetier, Serge Brice Assi","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05571-8","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05571-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Widespread Insecticide resistance among malaria vector populations poses a significant threat to the efficacy of current vector control strategies. This highlights the urgent need for innovative approaches that integrate existing tools with those under development. The primary objective of this study was to characterize the malaria epidemiological profile in the Korhogo region prior to the implementation of complementary vector control tools alongside long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs). Both passive and active case detection methods were employed.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Passive case detection involved data collection from heath care facilities between July 2016 and July 2017, covering a total of 398,424 person-weeks from 26 villages in the Korhogo health district, northern Côte d'Ivoire. Active case detection was carried out through three cross-sectional surveys (CSS) conducted in September 2016, December 2016 and March 2017. During these surveys, individuals under 21 years of age were invited to attend clinical consultations. Those presenting with fever (> 37,5 °C) were tested for malaria with rapid diagnostic test (RDT), and individuals with a positive result were treated with artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT). Active case detection during the surveys enabled the estimation of malaria case prevalence, defined as the proportion of population with symptoms and a positive RDT at the time of the survey. Additionally, in a randomly selected sub-sample of six villages, thick blood smears were analysed-regardless of symptoms-to assess the prevalence of malaria infection in the general population during CSS.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean weekly malaria incidence throughout the year in the overall population was 0.25 cases per 100 person-weeks, corresponding to 130 cases per 1000 person-years. During CSS, malaria cases prevalence ranged from 13.4% during the dry season to 43.4% in the late rainy season. The highest malaria cases' prevalence was observed in children under 5 years of age, with significant decline in older age groups. Thick blood smears from six villages revealed parasite prevalence between 85.4% and 100%. Plasmodium falciparum accounted for 97% of single infection, although mixed infections with Plasmodium malariae and Plasmodium ovale were also detected.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Active case detection conducted through three transversal surveys indicates that the study area exhibits characteristics of malaria transmission hotspot. The region's dense hydrographic network provides a favourable ecological and epidemiological context for assessing additional vector control strategies to supplement universal LLINs coverage in the fight against malaria.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"309"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12486998/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145206879","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}