Eliminating Plasmodium falciparum malaria: results from tailoring active case detection approaches to remote populations in forested border areas in north-eastern Cambodia

Autor: Ann-Sophie Stratil, Lieven Vernaeve, Sergio Lopes, Yves Bourny, Kylie Mannion, Prudence Hamade, Arantxa Roca-Feltrer, James K. Tibenderana, Siv Sovannaroth, Mark Debackere
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2021
Předmět:
Zdroj: Malaria Journal, Vol 20, Iss 1, Pp 1-11 (2021)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 1475-2875
DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03622-4
Popis: Abstract Background Remaining Plasmodium falciparum cases in Cambodia are concentrated in forested border areas and in remote populations who are hard to reach through passive case detection. A key approach to reach these populations is active case detection by mobile malaria workers (MMWs). However, this is operationally challenging because of changing movement patterns of the target population moving into less accessible areas. From January 2018 to December 2020, a tailored package of active case detection approaches was implemented in forested border areas of three provinces in north-eastern Cambodia to reach remote populations and support the elimination of falciparum malaria. Methods Key elements of this project were to tailor approaches to local populations, use responsive monitoring systems, maintain operational flexibility, build strong relationships with local communities, and implement close supervision practices. MMWs were recruited from local communities. Proactive case detection approaches included mobile malaria posts positioned at frequented locations around and within forests, and locally informed outreach activities targeting more remote locations. Reactive case detection was conducted among co-travellers of confirmed cases. Testing for malaria was conducted independent of fever symptoms. Routine monitoring of programmatic data informed tactical adaptations, while supervision exercises ensured service quality. Results Despite operational challenges, service delivery sites were able to maintain consistently high testing rates throughout the implementation period, with each of 45 sites testing a monthly average of 64 (SD 6) people in 2020. In 2020, project MMWs detected only 32 P. falciparum cases. Over the project period, the P. falciparum/P. vivax ratio steadily inversed. Including data from neighbouring health centres and village malaria workers, 45% (80,988/180,732) of all people tested and 39% (1280/3243) of P. falciparum cases detected in the area can be attributed to project MMWs. Remaining challenges of the last elimination phase include maintaining intensified elimination efforts, addressing the issue of detecting low parasitaemia cases and shifting focus to P. vivax malaria. Conclusions Reaching remote populations through active case detection should remain a key strategy to eliminate P. falciparum malaria. This case study presented a successful approach combining tailored proactive and reactive strategies that could be transferred to similar settings in other areas of the Greater Mekong Subregion.
Databáze: Directory of Open Access Journals
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