Malaria Journal最新文献

{"title":"Prevalence of malaria and associated risk factors in Loka Abaya district, Sidama regional state, Southern Ethiopia.","authors":"Siratu Seyoum, Mohamed Esmael","doi":"10.1186/s12936-026-06032-6","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-026-06032-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Malaria remains a major public health concern in Ethiopia, despite the widespread use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets. The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of malaria, the proportion of Plasmodium species, and the risk factors for disease transmission in the study area.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to May 2023 among 419 participants. Socio-demographic and environmental data were collected using structured questionnaires and observation checklists. Capillary blood samples were examined using rapid diagnostic tests and microscopy. Data were entered into EpiData version 4.6 and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The overall malaria prevalence was 14.6% (95% CI: 11.0-18.0). Plasmodium falciparum accounted for 59.0% of infections, Plasmodium vivax for 36.1%, and mixed infections for 4.9%. Higher prevalence was observed among symptomatic individuals (30.7%) compared to asymptomatic individuals (7.3%). Independent predictors of malaria infection included no formal education (AOR = 2.56; 95% CI: 1.10-5.94), low monthly income (AOR = 2.97; 95% CI: 1.07-8.25), lack of ITN ownership (AOR = 2.56; 95% CI: 1.14-5.75), irregular ITN use (AOR = 2.88; 95% CI: 1.13-7.32), and presence of stagnant water near households (AOR = 2.12; 95% CI: 1.14-3.99).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Malaria remains a significant public health concern in the study area. Strengthening insecticide-treated nets utilization, expanding indoor residual spraying coverage, promoting early diagnosis and prompt treatment, enhancing community awareness, and implementing effective environmental management are essential for reducing malaria transmission. Addressing socio-economic disparities is also crucial for sustainable malaria control and elimination efforts in the area.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13632385/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148411997","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":"Guillain-Barré syndrome following Plasmodium falciparum malaria in a child: a case report.","authors":"Simone Khalifeh, Fatima Hussein, Raja Sawaya, Adam Najm, Christine Saliba, Ali Ismail","doi":"10.1186/s12936-026-06024-6","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-026-06024-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an acute immune‑mediated polyradiculoneuropathy and remains a leading cause of acquired neuromuscular paralysis. In children, it typically follows infection, but association with malaria is rare.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>We report a four‑year‑old Lebanese girl living in Nigeria, who developed progressive weakness, dysphagia, inspiratory stridor, and gait ataxia 2 weeks after treatment for Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Neurological examination revealed lower‑extremity weakness with areflexia, bulbar involvement causing stridor, unilateral facial weakness, and gait ataxia (Hughes score 4). Cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed albumin‑cytologic dissociation, and nerve conduction studies demonstrated acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy. Given the rapid progression and severity, therapeutic plasma exchange (PE) was administered (five exchanges over 10 days) along with supportive care. Strength improved steadily, and at 1 month she was able to walk and run independently (Hughes score 0).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This case expands the limited pediatric literature on malaria-associated GBS and highlights the importance of recognizing evolving bulbar and neurological symptoms after Plasmodium falciparum infection. Early supportive care and immunotherapy may contribute to favorable neurological recovery.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13628948/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148411994","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 prevalence and epidemiological characteristics in Northern Malawi: a nine-year retrospective hospital-based study.","authors":"Qian Wu, Qi Zhang, Dokani Michael Ndovi, Shangwu Liu, Xiaoxuan He, Yanfen Ma, Jian Hu, Ying Li, Thomas Stuart Mughogho, Xiaoqin Wang","doi":"10.1186/s12936-026-06046-0","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-026-06046-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Malaria remains a major public health challenge in Malawi, yet contemporary epidemiological data from northern Malawi are limited. This study aimed to characterize the prevalence, demographic distribution, temporal patterns, and parasite density of malaria using routine laboratory surveillance data from a tertiary referral hospital.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using malaria screening records from Mzuzu Central Hospital, northern Malawi, collected between January 2017 and August 2025. Laboratory-confirmed malaria cases and malaria-negative individuals were included to estimate malaria prevalence across demographic and temporal subgroups. Malaria prevalence was compared using the χ² test or Fisher's exact test, with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. Parasite density, available for a subset of confirmed cases from 2024-2025, was summarized as median (interquartile range [IQR]) and compared using the Mann-Whitney U test or Kruskal-Wallis test.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 31,253 individuals were screened, of whom 3405 were laboratory-confirmed malaria cases, yielding an overall prevalence of 10.89%. Plasmodium falciparum accounted for 86.23% of identified infections. Malaria prevalence was significantly higher among males than females (11.85% vs. 10.01%, P < 0.001). Children aged < 5 years (13.11%) and 5-14 years (13.31%) had significantly higher prevalence than adults (P < 0.001). Annual malaria prevalence ranged from 7.99 to 12.81% during 2018-2024. Clear seasonal variation was observed, with prevalence consistently peaking during the second quarter (April-June) and declining during the third quarter (July-September). Parasite density decreased significantly with age (p < 0.001), with children aged 5-14 years showing the highest median density (6,285 parasites/μL), but did not differ by gender or season.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Malaria remains highly endemic in northern Malawi, with substantial age- and season-related heterogeneity in transmission. Children younger than 15 years experienced both the highest malaria prevalence and parasite densities, while transmission increased during and immediately after the rainy season. These findings provide updated region‑specific evidence to support targeted, age‑ and season‑tailored malaria control strategies, and highlight the need for strengthened surveillance and preventive interventions in high‑risk populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13632138/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148412015","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":"Environmental suitability of Anopheles mosquito species in the Maekel region, Eritrea: species distribution modeling using maximum entropy.","authors":"Filmon Gebreyesus Mebrahtu, Kibreab Tesfamichael Haile, Adam Mengesteab Teweldebirhan, Meron Berhe Tsegai, Selam Mihreteab, Araia Berhane","doi":"10.1186/s12936-026-06042-4","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-026-06042-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Malaria, a significant global health challenge, is transmitted exclusively by Anopheles mosquitoes. The dependence of mosquito habitats on environmental conditions, coupled with the established link between malaria prevalence and habitat niches, highlights the dynamic interplay between mosquito ecology and environmental factors in malaria transmission. This study aims to determine the current and future environmental suitability of Anopheles mosquitoes in the Maekel region using species distribution modeling (SDM).</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>Species occurrence data, along with environmental and bioclimatic variables, were used to model habitat suitability using Maxent. Highly correlated variables, defined as those with a Pearson correlation coefficient exceeding 0.7, were excluded from the model. Future climate projections from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP-6) were used to project species distributions under two shared socioeconomic pathway scenarios: SSP370 and SSP585. Key environmental variables influencing species survival were identified through the jackknife test of variable importance. Model performance was evaluated via area under the curve (AUC) statistics.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 94 larval breeding sites positive for Anopheles were identified across 24 villages. The most prevalent species, Anopheles cinereus, was identified in 20 villages, followed by Anopheles demeilloni and Anopheles squamosus. Anopheles gambiae, the primary malaria vector in Eritrea and Africa, was identified at 5 sites in 4 villages. Maxent modeling indicated that large areas of the Maekel region are highly suitable for Anopheles species, with projected increases in suitability by 2030 and 2050 under both climate change scenarios.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Anopheles mosquitoes are well established across significant portions of the Maekel region, and their distribution is projected to expand in the future. Comprehensive nationwide studies are necessary to map species distributions and bionomics, enabling the refinement of malaria control strategies in response to the rapid expansion of Anopheles mosquitoes driven by climate change.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13631991/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148412012","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":"Transfusion-transmitted malaria in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis of Plasmodium spp. carriage in blood units and confirmed transmission in recipient.","authors":"Lambert Morisho Mulakwa, Archippe Muhandule Birindwa, Chérone Nancy Mbani Mpega Ntigui, Justin Byamungu Ahadi, Patrick Ntagereka Bisimwa, Sandrine Lydie Oyegue Liabagui","doi":"10.1186/s12936-026-05975-0","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-026-05975-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Transfusion-transmitted malaria (TTM) remains a major concern in malaria-endemic regions of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where routine screening of blood donors for Plasmodium species is rarely implemented. Asymptomatic carriers among donors serve as silent reservoirs of infection, which puts transfusion recipients at substantial risk. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the prevalence of Plasmodium spp. carriage among blood donors and evaluate the associated risk of TTM across SSA.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed (MEDLINE), Google Scholar, ScienceOpen, MedRxiv and BioRxiv for studies published up to July 2025. Eligible studies were those reporting the prevalence of Plasmodium spp. among blood donors or documenting cases of post-transfusion malaria in recipients. Data extraction was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. The methodological quality of the included studies was independently assessed by two reviewers using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist and the AXIS tool for cross-sectional studies. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed using MetaAnalysis Online to estimate pooled prevalence, and publication bias was explored using Egger's test.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 1,364 records were identified, of which 12 studies met the inclusion criteria, representing 11,818 participants across West, Central, and East/Southern Africa. The pooled prevalence of asymptomatic Plasmodium spp. carriage among blood donors was 12% (95% CI 6-20%), based on a random-effects model, heterogeneity was substantial (I² = 99%, p < 0.01), while Egger's test (p = 0.581) indicated no significant publication bias. Three studies reported post-transfusion follow-up data. Comparative risk analysis revealed pronounced discrepancies between parasite prevalence in transfused blood and the number of documented TTM cases, with transmission rates among infected blood units ranging from 63% to 100%.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Asymptomatic Plasmodium spp. carriage among blood donors poses a potential threat to transfusion safety in sub-Saharan Africa, underscoring the need for improved screening, strengthened haemovigilance, and further research.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13625347/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148396890","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":"Perceptions and acceptability of drone-based larviciding using Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis in rice fields in Madagascar, 2022: a qualitative study.","authors":"Anna Bowen, Haritiana Mendrika Ranaivoharmimina, Hasina Harinjaka Ramiandrisoa, Sarah Zohdy","doi":"10.1186/s12936-026-05978-x","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-026-05978-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Madagascar's malaria burden has been increasing for several years despite continued investments in vector control. Supplemental measures to reduce vector populations and outdoor biting, such as larval source management (LSM), may be required in some settings. Madagascar piloted drone-delivered microbial larviciding using Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) in rice fields in two districts with populations unfamiliar with drones during Feb-Jul 2022.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We assessed knowledge and perceptions among purposefully selected rice farmers, rice field workers, and community members during focus group discussions (FGDs) in the two districts three to four months after the intervention. In total, 293 people participated in 39 FGDs, which were analyzed using a combined deductive-inductive approach.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Despite initial concerns, both Bti-based larviciding and using drones to apply larvicides were ultimately well accepted by rice field owners and workers and community members in rice-growing areas of Madagascar. Key concerns spanned safety of Bti for people, livestock, and the environment, and harms related to drones crashing or being used for nefarious purposes. Participants perceived decreases in mosquitoes and malaria and increased rice yield related to the intervention. Receipt of project messaging appeared to differ by demographic group, with rice field workers frequently reporting having missed community meetings while working in the fields; many participants also reported that text-heavy communications were difficult to understand. Participants appreciated the involvement of personnel from health, agriculture, and environmental sectors, and they recommended expanding such intersectoral collaboration, involving trusted local officials, hiring local actors to help plan and implement the activities, and combining larvicide and fertilizer application in subsequent projects.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Future LSM activities could benefit from social behavior change (SBC) efforts addressing safety and privacy concerns linked to the larvicide and the delivery method and highlight potential health and financial benefits related to decreased malaria burdens in the community, improved quality of life associated with fewer mosquito bites, the efficiency of drones in applying larvicide products, and the need to continue using ITNs. SBC will be most effective if provided early and repeatedly as needed, via channels appropriate to the community's language and literacy levels and in venues that are geographically and temporally convenient to those potentially impacted by the intervention.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13637407/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148405105","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 associated risk factors of malaria in Amhara National Regional State: a systematic review and meta-analyses.","authors":"Abrhi Tsehay, Sissay Menkir, Tamirat Hailegebriel","doi":"10.1186/s12936-026-06034-4","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-026-06034-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Malaria is a major parasitic infectious disease caused by Plasmodium species and remains a significant public health challenge in sub-Saharan African, including Ethiopia. The Amhara National Regional State is among the most malaria-affected region in Ethiopia. However, comprehensive evidence on the pooled prevalence of malaria and its associated risks in the region has been limited. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of malaria and identify its associated risk factors in Amhara National Regional State.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic search of studies published between 2013 to March 3, 2023, was conducted using PubMed, Springer nature, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. Eligible studies were selected based on predefined inclusion criteria. Data were extracted using Microsoft Excel and analysed with Stata version 17. Heterogeneity among studies was assessed using the inverse variance (I²) statistic, while publication bias was evaluated using Egger's regression test and funnel plot.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Out of 2,743 records initially identified, 43 studies met the inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of malaria in the Amhara National Regional State was 14% (95% CI 12.0-17.0%). Subgroup analysis showed that the highest (17%, 95% CI 4.0-30.0%) pooled prevalence was from South and North Gonder Zones, whereas the lowest (8%, 95% CI 5.0-11.0%) prevalence was observed in East Gojjam Zone. Malaria prevalence estimate varied according to the diagnostic methods; with microscopy reporting a prevalence of 16%; 95% CI 13.0-18% and combination of microscopy with RDT reporting 9%; 95% CI 4.0-14.0%. The prevalence increased from 13% (95% CI 10.0-17%) before the onset of COVID-19 pandemic to 15% (95% CI 14.0-10.0%) after the onset. Plasmodium falciparum was the predominant species, accounting 9% (95% CI 6-11%) of the infection followed by P. vivax at 5% (95% CI 4-5%). Significant predictors of malarial infection included, the presence of stagnant water near residences (OR = 2.64; 95% CI 2.09-3.34), engagement in outdoor night activities (OR = 1.69; 95% CI 1.33-2.16), and lack of insecticide treated net (ITN) utilization (OR = 2.05; 95% CI 1.71-2.46).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that malaria remained a considerable public health burden in the Amhara National Regional State with Plasmodium falciparum as the dominant species. Malaria prevalence varied across administrative zones, diagnostic methods, study seasons, and study periods. Environmental and behavioural factors significantly contributed to malaria transmission, highlighting the need for a strengthened and targeted malaria prevention and controlled interventions in the region.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13628749/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148405169","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":"Guiding malaria elimination interventions: a data-driven approach to resource optimization in Benin, West Africa.","authors":"Gouvidé Jean Gbaguidi, Nikita Topanou, Rock Aikpon, Anges Yadouleton, Gabriel Hoinsoudé Segniagbeto, Guillaume K Ketoh","doi":"10.1186/s12936-026-06033-5","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-026-06033-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Malaria remains a major public health challenge in Benin, where environmental conditions strongly influence its transmission dynamics. Understanding the spatial heterogeneity of malaria risk is essential for targeting interventions more effectively.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study applied high-resolution environmental covariates and a robust Stochastic Partial Differential Equation (SPDE) model to investigate the distribution of malaria prevalence across Benin. Remote sensing-derived variables, including temperature and vegetation indices, as well as information about soil, built-up areas, and bare surfaces, were integrated into the model. Malaria prevalence was estimated using rapid diagnostic test (RDT) data from national Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS), and model performance was assessed through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The findings reveal pronounced spatial dependence in malaria prevalence, with transmission patterns strongly associated with temperature and vegetation cover. Distinct hotspots were identified in the northern and central regions of the country, indicating areas of elevated risk. The model demonstrated satisfactory predictive accuracy (with a sensitivity of 0.619 and a specificity of 1.000), underscoring the utility of environmental covariates in capturing the spatial variability of malaria transmission.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Malaria in Benin exhibits marked spatial heterogeneity shaped by environmental factors. The identification of high-risk hotspots highlights priority areas for intensified intervention. Integrating spatial modelling with environmental data offers a powerful framework for refining malaria control strategies and accelerating progress towards elimination targets.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13617880/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148391166","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":"Strengthening field-informed for-profit private sector engagement strategy in malaria elimination: insights from a single-group quasi-experimental pilot study in Bangladesh.","authors":"Mohammad Shafiul Alam, Md Jahangir Alam, Mohammad Sharif Hossain, Mohammad Abdul Matin, Ching Swe Phru, Anamul Hasan, Md Mushfiqur Rahman, Md Mosiqure Rahaman, Md Nazrul Islam, Shyamol Kumer Das, Maksuda Khanam, Md Halimur Rashid, Anupama Hazarika","doi":"10.1186/s12936-026-06021-9","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-026-06021-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Despite the dramatic achievements in malaria control, Bangladesh continues to face persistent transmission in high-endemic regions such as Bandarban in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. One important strategy to close surveillance and case management gaps is to involve the for-profit private sector that serves marginalized populations including high-risk occupational groups and communities facing geographical obstacles. The objectives of this study were to determine the practicality and the effects of involving the private healthcare providers in the national malaria surveillance system in Alikadam Upazila, Bandarban.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A One-month pilot study was conducted in March 2023 in 10 for-profit private healthcare facilities in Alikadam Upazila, Bandarban. The providers were trained to do rapid diagnostic tests on suspected malaria patients and to refer positive cases to government or partner NGO facilities. Data on adherence to diagnostic protocols, the detection of malaria cases, the reporting, the referral and patient satisfaction were collected using standard registers, reporting forms and supervision checklists. These data were entered into an electronic database and analysed descriptively. Quality assurance was taken care of by monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, including regular supervisory visits.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Rapid diagnostic tests were done on 440 patients in the pilot, and 1.8% were positive of malaria (Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax were equally distributed). The study period has shown that the private sector has a share of 20% in all the reported cases of malaria in Alikadam. Most of the participants were males (54.6%), and 4.0 percent of the women were pregnant. The level of patient satisfaction was also good as 100 percent of the people who were surveyed claimed that they were confident in the private providers and the referral process. The accuracy of data recording rose as the providers performed better over time with a rate of 37.5 in week one but in the fifth week, it was 87.5. Although these successes have been achieved, referral gaps and lack of financial incentives to the private providers were a challenge.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The research highlighted private healthcare providers' potential in malaria surveillance and case detection in remote, vulnerable populations. Integrating them into national programs could strengthen health systems and eradication efforts, but scaling requires addressing challenges like sustained training, financial incentives, and adequate service coverage.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13617936/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148387736","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":"Efficacy of artemether-lumefantrine combination for the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria after 16 years of its introduction into Ghana's antimalarial medicines policy.","authors":"Benjamin Abuaku, Paul Boateng, Nancy Odurowah Duah-Quashie, Nana Yaw Peprah, Alexander Asamoah, Sena Adzoa Matrevi, Joel Idun-Acquah, Eunice Obeng Amoako, Esther Baafi, Emmanuel Gyekye, Nelly Amankrah-Yeboah, Bernard Logonia, Selassie Bruku, Kwesi Tandoh, Neils Quashie, Felicia Owusu-Antwi, Kwadwo Ansah Koram, Paul Hilarius Abiwu, Keziah Laurencia Malm","doi":"10.1186/s12936-026-06003-x","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-026-06003-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Artemether-lumefantrine (AL) was introduced into Ghana's antimalarial medicines policy in 2008 as an alternative to artesunate-amodiaquine (AS-AQ) for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria. Studies conducted between 2010 and 2021 had shown the efficacy of AL to be above 90%. This study aimed at determining the current efficacy of AL in 10 sentinel sites after 16 years of its formal introduction as one of the first-line medicines for uncomplicated malaria in the country.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The study was conducted among febrile children aged 6 months to 9 years between August 2024 and January 2025 using the WHO protocol for surveillance of antimalarial drug efficacy and reported using the standardized antimalarial therapeutic efficacy reporting (STARTER) checklist. Children enrolled were followed-up for 28 days. Parasite recrudescence and re-infections were determined using merozoite surface protein 1 (msp1), merozoite surface protein 2 (msp2), and one microsatellite (poly-α) in the recommended 3/3 PCR-genotyping approach.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Out of 1387 suspected uncomplicated malaria cases screened, 747 met the inclusion criteria and were subsequently enrolled. Out of this, 738 completed their follow-up visits. PCR-uncorrected cure rates across the 10 sentinel sites ranged between 85.9% (95% CI 76.6-92.5) and 100% with a national rate of 96.3% (95% CI 94.7-97.6) whilst PCR-corrected cure rates ranged between 91.9% (95% CI 78.1-98.3) and 100% with a national rate of 98.9% (95% CI 97.8-99.5). No early treatment failures were observed at any of the sites. Also, no child enrolled was parasitaemic on Day 3.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>AL has remained highly efficacious (> 90%) in the treatment of uncomplicated malaria in Ghana, even after 16 years of its formal introduction into the country's antimalarial medicines policy. Preserving this high efficacy through strategies such as the deliberate implementation of multiple first-line therapy (MFT) has become critical, particularly as lumefantrine is needed for the development of non-artemisinin combination therapies in response to the spread of artemisinin resistance. Trial Registration Pan African Clinical Trial Registry-PACTR202502791855505.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13617903/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148382354","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}