DIAGNOSIS OF MALARIA

DIAGNOSIS OF MALARIA

CHAPTER ONE

OVERVIEW

Malaria is a major public health problem in Nigeria, accounting for sizable morbidity, mortality and economic loss. Apart from preventive measures, early diagnosis and complete treatment are the important modalities that have been adopted to contain the disease. In view of widespread chloroquine resistance in Plasmodium falciparum infection, and other recent developments, the national policy has been revised to meet these challenges.

The guidelines on ‘Diagnosis and Treatment of Malaria in Nigeria (2009)’ have been developed during the brainstorming meeting organized by the National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR) and sponsored by WHO Country Office in Nigeria. These guidelines are the collaborative effort of National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme, National Institute of Malaria Research and experts from different parts of the country. The aim of this endeavor is to guide the medical professionals on the current methods of diagnosis and treatment based on the national drug policy (2008). This manual deals with the treatment of uncomplicated malaria and specific anti malarial for severe disease. The general management should be carried out according to the clinical condition of the patient and judgment of the treating physician. The warning signs of severe malaria have been listed so as to recognize the condition and give the initial treatment correctly before referring them to a higher facility. It is hoped that these guidelines will be useful for doctors involved in the management of malaria.

DIAGNOSIS OF MALARIA