MALARIA: Africa Fighting Malaria Updates and Events

Africa Fighting Malaria (AFM) seeks to raise awareness of the huge burden of malaria in sub-Saharan Africa and promote sensible policies for long-term solutions.

Substandard Medicines: WHOs inadequate response In response to peer-reviewed data (here and here) that manufacturers sold substandard medicines, the World Health Organization (WHO) asked the alleged manufacturers to test their own products. Self-regulation is not likely to give an honest answer, and it is astounding that WHO embraces it. Our data highlighted that products approved by stringent regulatory authorities (SRAs) and the WHO pre-qualification program (WHO PQP) performed roughly 4 to 5 times better than non-approved products. But some problems were found with WHO-approved products. Prior to publication of our first article a confidential memo detailing the findings was sent to WHO PQP.      Read More  Other News Tanzania: Bukoba district under malaria IRS plan... Malaria cases decline in Limpopo... Provider knowledge of treatment policy and dosing regimen with artemether- lumefantrine and quinine in malaria endemic areas of western Kenya... Events and Information January 16-18, 2013: Monitoring and Evaluation Reference Group (MERG) Meeting in Namibia January 28-30, 2013: Eighth annual meeting of the Vector Control Working Group in Geneva, Switzerland. Check out the book "The Excellent Powder: DDT's Political and Scientific History". Towards the elimination of malaria in South Africa: A review of surveillance data in Mutale Municipality, Limpopo Province, 2005 to 2010  Malaria control interventions implemented in Mutale significantly reduced the incidence of malaria in the population. In order to accurately monitor progress towards the elimination goal, the malaria control programme should strengthen the reporting and capturing of the data in the provincial malaria information system; all patients diagnosed with malaria should be investigated to determine the likely source of the malaria, and malaria related deaths should be audited to improve case detection and management. Furthermore, the country should strengthen cross border malaria control collaborations in order to minimize malaria importation.   Read More Impact assessment of malaria vector control using routine surveillance data in Zambia: implication for monitoring and evaluation  Malaria vector control using long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS), with pyrethroids and DDT, to reduce malaria transmission has been expansively implemented in Zambia. The impact of these interventions on malaria morbidity and mortality has not previously been formally assessed at the population level in Zambia. Read More  Also on FightingMalaria.org News AFM Articles Research About AFM Contact Us Donate to AFM Please email Africa@fightingmalaria.orgfor more information.