Rethinking the fight as surge of malaria deaths in conflict zones threatens to upend progress
By a
"The global battle against malaria is going to fail unless we get real about where the malaria burden is today and expand the tools and techniques we use to fight it," said
Globally, malaria deaths have fallen from 655,000 in 2010 to 445,000 in 2016, but data recently compiled by the
WHO Director General
But Allan pointed to a number of studies to be presented at MIM that he said reflect his experience fighting malaria in conflict zones: that "with the right mix of tools and tactics, you can drive down malaria infections and deaths even in very chaotic circumstances."
A study at MIM presented by Dr. Christian Lengeler of the
The study found that of the 200,000 people treated by these health workers, 81 percent tested positive for malaria and in almost all cases--98.9 percent--they were "appropriately treated."
Ruckstuhl noted that the program showed that it could reach those most vulnerable to malaria and continue some level of care at all times, and that even malaria surveillance can be maintained in conflict zones.
An analysis presented by Allan noted that having access to a minimal, but appropriate, level of care is critical to reducing deaths from severe malaria. He said in many instances, the community workers focus on treatments that can stabilize the patient so they can be transported--often my motorbike or bicycle--to a better equipped medical facility, such as one run by relief organizations in a camp for displaced persons.
"In conflict zones we find that many malaria deaths occur while people are on the road trying to get to treatment," Allan said. "Saving their life requires embracing pragmatism in places where medical perfection is a distant dream."
Allan noted that new tools also are needed. For example, he said long-lasting insecticide treated mosquito nets (LLINs), which have been effective at reducing the burden of disease in more stable settings, are much less effective in conflict zones. One problem is simply more wear and tear. A 2012 study from
At MIM, researchers from the Mentor Initiative will discuss an ongoing study in
Allan said there is also evidence that building temporary housing with plastic sheeting treated with insecticides, spraying insecticides inside living quarters, and distributing insecticide-treated blankets can be safe and effective alternatives to LLINs for fighting malaria in conflict zones.
Meanwhile, in a separate presentation at MIM, Emmanuel Odjidja from the
Another study, presented by
Allan noted that waging effective anti-malaria campaigns in areas experiencing conflict and crisis requires studying what works, embracing a wider assortment of tools and tactics, and being willing to spend more than it costs to fight the disease in relatively stable settings. He noted that global progress against malaria over the last 10 years, while substantial, is partly the product of "harvesting the low hanging fruit." Allan also noted that the burden of malaria that persists in
Keywords for this news article include: Burness, Malaria, Mosquitoes, Pediatrics, Epidemiology, Insecticides, Health and Medicine, Risk and Prevention, Protozoan Infections, Mosquito-Borne Diseases, Government Agencies Offices and Entities.
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