Nigeria

Malaria remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality among children in Africa. There is inadequate information regarding malaria transmission-intensity in some of the worst-affected parts of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The Malaria Atlas Project (MAP) was developed in 2006, to project estimates of malaria transmission intensity where this data is not available, based on the vector behaviour for malaria. Data from malariometric studies globally were obtained and modelled to provide prevalence estimates. The sensitivity of these maps, however, reduces with unavailability of data. This necessitates a validation of these maps locally, and investigation into alternative methods of predicting prevalence to guide malaria control interventions and improve their efficiency and effectiveness. This study was conducted to compare the true estimates in Sokoto, Nigeria, with the MAP projections for north-western Nigeria, and it proposes an alternative way of mapping malaria intensity in Nigeria and beyond.

In the context of task shifting, a promoted approach to healthcare delivery in resource-poor settings, trained community health workers (CHWs) have been shown to be effective in delivering quality care of malaria for febrile under-5 children. While their effectiveness has been documented, the fidelity of implementation (FOI) has not been adequately studied. By understanding and measuring whether an intervention has been performed with fidelity, researchers and practitioners gain a better understanding of how and why an intervention works, and the extent to which outcomes can be improved. The objective of this study was to assess the FOI of a recommended protocol for malaria care by CHWs in a resource-poor setting in Nigeria.

Despite the uptake of parasitological testing into policy and practice, appropriate prescription of anti-malarials and artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) in accordance with test results is variable. This study describes a National Malaria Control Programme-led capacity building intervention which was implemented in 10 States of Nigeria. Using the experience of Niger State, this study assessed the effect on malaria diagnosis and prescription practices among febrile under-fives in rural health facilities.

Pneumonia and malaria are the leading causes of global childhood mortality. We describe the clinical presentation of children diagnosed with pneumonia and/or malaria, and identify possible missed cases and diagnostic predictors.