1
|
Makenga G, Baraka V, Francis F, Nakato S, Gesase S, Mtove G, Madebe R, Kyaruzi E, Minja DTR, Lusingu JPA, Geertruyden JPV. Effectiveness and safety of intermittent preventive treatment with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine or artesunate-amodiaquine for reducing malaria and related morbidities in schoolchildren in Tanzania: a randomised controlled trial. Lancet Glob Health 2023; 11:e1277-e1289. [PMID: 37474234 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(23)00204-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In high transmission settings, most school-aged children harbour malaria parasites without showing symptoms, often leading to anaemia and possibly impaired psychomotor and cognitive abilities. We aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of intermittent preventive treatment for malaria in school-aged children (IPTsc) living in highly endemic areas. METHODS We did an open-label randomised controlled trial in seven primary schools in northeastern Tanzania. Schoolchildren aged 5-15 years were individually randomly assigned (1:1:1) to receive dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine, artesunate-amodiaquine, or standard of care (control) using a balanced block design. Drugs were administered by schoolteachers, with supervision from study nurses, at months 0 (baseline), 4, and 8, and were given in line with manufacturer's recommendations with dose based on the child's bodyweight. The primary endpoints were change from baseline in mean haemoglobin concentration at months 12 and 20, and clinical incidence of malaria and prevalence of parasitaemia at months 12 and 20 in the intervention groups versus the control group. The outcome data were collected through longitudinal surveys conducted every 4 months. Data were analysed on the basis of intention to treat (including all randomised participants) and per protocol (comprising children who completed the full 3-day regimen of all three IPTsc treatment rounds as assigned). This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03640403). FINDINGS Of the 1797 children scheduled for clinical screening, 1566 were enrolled and randomly allocated (526 to receive dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine, 527 to receive artesunate-amodiaquine, and 513 to receive standard of care). Due to COVID-19-related school closures, only two schools were visited at month 12 (135 children in the dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine group, 131 in the artesunate-amodiaquine group, and 118 in the control group). At month 12, compared with the control group, the change from baseline in mean haemoglobin concentration was increased by 0·5 g/dL (95% CI 0·2 to 0·8; p<0·0001) in the dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine group and 0·5 g/dL (0·2 to 0·7; p=0·0020) in the artesunate-amodiaquine group in the intention-to-treat analysis (with similar findings in the per protocol analysis). In the same period, in the intention-to-treat analysis, the prevalence of malaria parasitaemia increased from 28·5% (138 of 485 participants) to 33·6% (39 of 116) in the control group, but decreased from 28·0% (139 of 497) to 12·0% (15 of 125) in the dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine group (-21·6 percentage points [95% CI -31·9 to -11·3], p=0·0001 vs control at month 12) and from 24·7% (124 of 502) to 16·0% (20 of 125) in the artesunate-amodiaquine group (-17·6 percentage points [-28·4 to -6·9], p=0·0015). The decrease for artesunate-amodiaquine was larger in the per protocol analysis (-25·3 percentage points [-36·3 to -14·2], p<0·0001). The protective effect of IPTsc against malaria parasitaemia was 64% (95% CI 39 to 79; p<0·0001) for dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine and 52% (23 to 70; p=0·0015) for artesunate-amodiaquine in the intention-to-treat analysis, and was slightly higher on per protocol analysis. The protective effect against clinical malaria at month 12 was 20% (95% CI 9 to 29; p=0·0002) for dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine and 19% (8 to 28; p=0·0004) for artesunate-amodiaquine. No significant differences in any primary outcomes between the intervention and control groups were noted at month 20. Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine and artesunate-amodiaquine were associated with a small number of mild adverse events, and there were no treatment-related serious adverse events or deaths. INTERPRETATION IPTsc with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine or artesunate-amodiaquine is a safe and effective approach to reducing malaria parasitaemia, clinical malaria, and related morbidities, and is feasible to implement through programmes delivered by schoolteachers. FUNDING Flemish Interuniversity Council (VLIRUOS), EU EDCTP2 programme (MaReCa project), and Global Minds 2019. TRANSLATION For the Swahili translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Geofrey Makenga
- National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Centre, Tanga, Tanzania; Global Health Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Vito Baraka
- National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Centre, Tanga, Tanzania
| | - Filbert Francis
- National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Centre, Tanga, Tanzania
| | - Swabra Nakato
- Global Health Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Samwel Gesase
- National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Centre, Tanga, Tanzania
| | - George Mtove
- National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Centre, Tanga, Tanzania
| | - Rashid Madebe
- National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Centre, Tanga, Tanzania
| | - Edna Kyaruzi
- Dar es Salaam University College of Education, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Daniel T R Minja
- National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Centre, Tanga, Tanzania
| | - John P A Lusingu
- National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Centre, Tanga, Tanzania; Centre for Medical Parasitology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Implementation research of a cluster randomized trial evaluating the implementation and effectiveness of intermittent preventive treatment for malaria using dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine on reducing malaria burden in school-aged children in Tanzania: methodology, challenges, and mitigation. Malar J 2023; 22:7. [PMID: 36609279 PMCID: PMC9816525 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04428-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been more than 20 years since the malaria epidemiologic shift to school-aged children was noted. In the meantime, school-aged children (5-15 years) have become increasingly more vulnerable with asymptomatic malaria prevalence reaching up to 70%, making them reservoirs for subsequent transmission of malaria in the endemic communities. Intermittent Preventive Treatment of malaria in schoolchildren (IPTsc) has proven to be an effective tool to shrink this reservoir. As of 3rd June 2022, the World Health Organization recommends IPTsc in moderate and high endemic areas. Even so, for decision-makers, the adoption of scientific research recommendations has been stifled by real-world implementation challenges. This study presents methodology, challenges faced, and mitigations used in the evaluation of the implementation of IPTsc using dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) in three councils (Handeni District Council (DC), Handeni Town Council (TC) and Kilindi DC) of Tanga Region, Tanzania so as to understand the operational feasibility and effectiveness of IPTsc on malaria parasitaemia and clinical malaria incidence. METHODS The study deployed an effectiveness-implementation hybrid design to assess feasibility and effectiveness of IPTsc using DP, the interventional drug, against standard of care (control). Wards in the three study councils were the randomization unit (clusters). Each ward was randomized to implement IPTsc or not (control). In all wards in the IPTsc arm, DP was given to schoolchildren three times a year in four-month intervals. In each council, 24 randomly selected wards (12 per study arm, one school per ward) were chosen as representatives for intervention impact evaluation. Mixed design methods were used to assess the feasibility and acceptability of implementing IPTsc as part of a more comprehensive health package for schoolchildren. The study reimagined an existing school health programme for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) control include IPTsc implementation. RESULTS The study shows IPTsc can feasibly be implemented by integrating it into existing school health and education systems, paving the way for sustainable programme adoption in a cost-effective manner. CONCLUSIONS Through this article other interested countries may realise a feasible plan for IPTsc implementation. Mitigation to any challenge can be customized based on local circumstances without jeopardising the gains expected from an IPTsc programme. Trial registration clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04245033. Registered 28 January 2020, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04245033.
Collapse
|
3
|
It Is Time to Strengthen the Malaria Control Policy of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Include Schools and School-Age Children in Malaria Control Measures. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11070729. [PMID: 35889975 PMCID: PMC9315856 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11070729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite a decade of sustained malaria control, malaria remains a serious public health problem in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Children under five years of age and school-age children aged 5–15 years remain at high risk of symptomatic and asymptomatic malaria infections. The World Health Organization’s malaria control, elimination, and eradication recommendations are still only partially implemented in DRC. For better malaria control and eventual elimination, the integration of all individuals into the national malaria control programme will strengthen malaria control and elimination strategies in the country. Thus, inclusion of schools and school-age children in DRC malaria control interventions is needed.
Collapse
|
4
|
Chotsiri P, White NJ, Tarning J. Pharmacokinetic considerations in seasonal malaria chemoprevention. Trends Parasitol 2022; 38:673-682. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2022.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
5
|
Runge M, Thawer SG, Molteni F, Chacky F, Mkude S, Mandike R, Snow RW, Lengeler C, Mohamed A, Pothin E. Sub-national tailoring of malaria interventions in Mainland Tanzania: simulation of the impact of strata-specific intervention combinations using modelling. Malar J 2022; 21:92. [PMID: 35300707 PMCID: PMC8929286 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04099-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To accelerate progress against malaria in high burden countries, a strategic reorientation of resources at the sub-national level is needed. This paper describes how mathematical modelling was used in mainland Tanzania to support the strategic revision that followed the mid-term review of the 2015–2020 national malaria strategic plan (NMSP) and the epidemiological risk stratification at the council level in 2018. Methods Intervention mixes, selected by the National Malaria Control Programme, were simulated for each malaria risk strata per council. Intervention mixes included combinations of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITN), indoor residual spraying, larval source management, and intermittent preventive therapies for school children (IPTsc). Effective case management was either based on estimates from the malaria indicator survey in 2016 or set to a hypothetical target of 85%. A previously calibrated mathematical model in OpenMalaria was used to compare intervention impact predictions for prevalence and incidence between 2016 and 2020, or 2022. Results For each malaria risk stratum four to ten intervention mixes were explored. In the low-risk and urban strata, the scenario without a ITN mass campaign in 2019, predicted high increase in prevalence by 2020 and 2022, while in the very-low strata the target prevalence of less than 1% was maintained at low pre-intervention transmission intensity and high case management. In the moderate and high strata, IPTsc in addition to existing vector control was predicted to reduce the incidence by an additional 15% and prevalence by 22%. In the high-risk strata, all interventions together reached a maximum reduction of 76%, with around 70% of that reduction attributable to high case management and ITNs. Overall, the simulated revised NMSP was predicted to achieve a slightly lower prevalence in 2020 compared to the 2015–2020 NMSP (5.3% vs 6.3%). Conclusion Modelling supported the choice of intervention per malaria risk strata by providing impact comparisons of various alternative intervention mixes to address specific questions relevant to the country. The use of a council-calibrated model, that reproduces local malaria trends, represents a useful tool for compiling available evidence into a single analytical platform, that complement other evidence, to aid national programmes with decision-making processes. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12936-022-04099-5.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Runge
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland. .,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Sumaiyya G Thawer
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Fabrizio Molteni
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Frank Chacky
- National Malaria Control Programme, Dodoma, Tanzania.,Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly, and Children, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Sigsbert Mkude
- National Malaria Control Programme, Dodoma, Tanzania.,Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly, and Children, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Renata Mandike
- National Malaria Control Programme, Dodoma, Tanzania.,Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly, and Children, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Robert W Snow
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Population Health Unit, Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Christian Lengeler
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ally Mohamed
- National Malaria Control Programme, Dodoma, Tanzania.,Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly, and Children, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Emilie Pothin
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland. .,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland. .,CHAI, Clinton Health Access Initiative, New York, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Cohee LM, Opondo C, Clarke SE, Halliday KE, Cano J, Shipper AG, Barger-Kamate B, Djimde A, Diarra S, Dokras A, Kamya MR, Lutumba P, Ly AB, Nankabirwa JI, Njagi JK, Maiga H, Maiteki-Sebuguzi C, Matangila J, Okello G, Rohner F, Roschnik N, Rouhani S, Sissoko MS, Staedke SG, Thera MA, Turner EL, Van Geertruyden JP, Zimmerman MB, Jukes MCH, Brooker SJ, Allen E, Laufer MK, Chico RM. Preventive malaria treatment among school-aged children in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analyses. Lancet Glob Health 2020; 8:e1499-e1511. [PMID: 33222799 PMCID: PMC7721819 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(20)30325-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The burden of malaria infection in sub-Saharan Africa among school-aged children aged 5-15 years is underappreciated and represents an important source of human-to-mosquito transmission of Plasmodium falciparum. Additional interventions are needed to control and eliminate malaria. We aimed to assess whether preventive treatment of malaria might be an effective means of reducing P falciparum infection and anaemia in school-aged children and lowering parasite transmission. METHODS In this systematic review and two meta-analyses, we searched the online databases PubMed, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Clinicaltrials.gov for intervention studies published between Jan 1, 1990, and Dec 14, 2018. We included randomised studies that assessed the effect of antimalarial treatment among asymptomatic school-aged children aged 5-15 years in sub-Saharan Africa on prevalence of P falciparum infection and anaemia, clinical malaria, and cognitive function. We first extracted data for a study-level meta-analysis, then contacted research groups to request data for an individual participant data meta-analysis. Outcomes of interest included prevalence of P falciparum infection detected by microscopy, anaemia (study defined values or haemoglobin less than age-adjusted and sex-adjusted values), clinical malaria (infection and symptoms on the basis of study-specific definitions) during follow-up, and code transmission test scores. We assessed effects by treatment type and duration of time protected, and explored effect modification by transmission setting. For study-level meta-analysis, we calculated risk ratios for binary outcomes and standardised mean differences for continuous outcomes and pooled outcomes using fixed-effect and random-effects models. We used a hierarchical generalised linear model for meta-analysis of individual participant data. This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42016030197. FINDINGS Of 628 studies identified, 13 were eligible for the study-level meta-analysis (n=16 309). Researchers from 11 studies contributed data on at least one outcome (n=15 658) for an individual participant data meta-analysis. Interventions and study designs were highly heterogeneous; overall risk of bias was low. In the study-level meta-analysis, treatment was associated with reductions in P falciparum prevalence (risk ratio [RR] 0·27, 95% CI 0·17-0·44), anaemia (0·77, 0·65-0·91), and clinical malaria (0·40, 0·28-0·56); results for cognitive outcomes are not presented because data were only available for three trials. In our individual participant data meta-analysis, we found treatment significantly decreased P falciparum prevalence (adjusted RR [ARR] 0·46, 95% CI 0·40-0·53; p<0·0001; 15 648 individuals; 11 studies), anaemia (ARR 0·85, 0·77-0·92; p<0·0001; 15 026 individuals; 11 studies), and subsequent clinical malaria (ARR 0·50, 0·39-0·60; p<0·0001; 1815 individuals; four studies) across transmission settings. We detected a marginal effect on cognitive function in children older than 10 years (adjusted mean difference in standardised test scores 0·36, 0·01-0·71; p=0·044; 3962 individuals; five studies) although we found no significant effect when combined across all ages. INTERPRETATION Preventive treatment of malaria among school-aged children significantly decreases P falciparum prevalence, anaemia, and risk of subsequent clinical malaria across transmission settings. Policy makers and programme managers should consider preventive treatment of malaria to protect this age group and advance the goal of malaria elimination, while weighing these benefits against potential risks of chemoprevention. FUNDING US National Institutes of Health and Burroughs Wellcome Fund/ASTMH Fellowship.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M Cohee
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MA, USA
| | - Charles Opondo
- Department of Medical Statistics, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Siân E Clarke
- Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Katherine E Halliday
- Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Jorge Cano
- Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Andrea G Shipper
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, and Health Sciences and Human Services Library, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MA, USA
| | | | - Abdoulaye Djimde
- Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy, and Odnonto-Stomatology, Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Mali
| | | | - Aditi Dokras
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MA, USA
| | - Moses R Kamya
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Pascal Lutumba
- Tropical Medicine Department, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | | | - Joaniter I Nankabirwa
- School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda; Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - J Kiambo Njagi
- National Malaria Control Programme, Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Hamma Maiga
- Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy, and Odnonto-Stomatology, Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Mali
| | | | - Junior Matangila
- Tropical Medicine Department, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo; Global Health Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - George Okello
- Health Systems and Social Science Research Group, Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | | | | | - Saba Rouhani
- Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Save the Children, Bamako, Mali
| | - Mahamadou S Sissoko
- Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy, and Odnonto-Stomatology, Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Mali
| | - Sarah G Staedke
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Mahamadou A Thera
- Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy, and Odnonto-Stomatology, Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Mali
| | - Elizabeth L Turner
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics and Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Michael B Zimmerman
- Institute of Food, Nutrition, and Health, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Elizabeth Allen
- Department of Medical Statistics, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Miriam K Laufer
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MA, USA
| | - R Matthew Chico
- Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
McCann RS, Cohee LM, Goupeyou-Youmsi J, Laufer MK. Maximizing Impact: Can Interventions to Prevent Clinical Malaria Reduce Parasite Transmission? Trends Parasitol 2020; 36:906-913. [PMID: 32917511 PMCID: PMC7581555 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2020.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Malaria interventions may reduce the burden of clinical malaria disease, the transmission of malaria parasites, or both. As malaria interventions are developed and evaluated, including those interventions primarily targeted at reducing disease, they may also impact parasite transmission. Achieving global malaria eradication will require optimizing the transmission-reducing potential of all available interventions. Herein, we discuss the relationship between malaria parasite transmission and disease, including mechanisms by which disease-targeting interventions might also impact parasite transmission. We then focus on three malaria interventions with strong evidence for reducing the burden of clinical malaria disease and examine their potential for also reducing malaria parasite transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert S McCann
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Lauren M Cohee
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jessy Goupeyou-Youmsi
- MAC Communicable Diseases Action Centre, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Miriam K Laufer
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Makenga G, Menon S, Baraka V, Minja DT, Nakato S, Delgado-Ratto C, Francis F, Lusingu JP, Van Geertruyden JP. Prevalence of malaria parasitaemia in school-aged children and pregnant women in endemic settings of sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2020; 11:e00188. [PMID: 33145445 PMCID: PMC7591779 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2020.e00188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite increased malaria control efforts, school-aged children (5–14 years) have higher a malaria prevalence compared to children under-five. In high-transmission settings, up to 70% of school-aged children harbour malaria parasitaemia and therefore contribute significantly to the reservoir for transmission. A systematic review was performed to explore the correlation between the malaria parasite carriage in pregnant women and school-aged children living in similar endemic settings of sub Saharan Africa to inform strategies to improve targeted malaria control. In order to obtain data on malaria prevalence in pregnant women and school-aged children living in the same endemic setting, we searched the Malaria in Pregnancy Library, PubMed, Cochrane library and Web of Science in December 2018. We fit a fixed effect model to obtain a pooled risk ratio (PRR) of malaria in school-aged children versus pregnant women and used Poisson regression to estimate risk ratios in school-aged children for every increase in prevalence in pregnant women. We used data from six (out of 1096) sources that included 10 data points. There was a strong linear relation between the prevalence of malaria infection in pregnant women and school-aged children (r = 0·93, p < 0·0001). School-aged children were nearly twice at risk to carry parasites compared to pregnant women (RR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1·69–2.25, p < 0.01). Poisson regression showed that a 1% increase in prevalence of malaria infection in pregnant women was significantly associated with increase in risk in school-aged children by 4%. Malaria infection prevalence in school-aged children is strongly correlated with the prevalence in pregnant women living in the same community, and may be considered as alternative indicators to track temporal and spatial trends in malaria transmission intensity. Chemoprevention strategies targeting school-aged children should be explored to reduce malaria burden and transmission in school-aged children and its potential impact on communities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Geofrey Makenga
- National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Centre, P. O. Box 5004, Tanga, Tanzania
- Global Health Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Corresponding author at.: National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Centre, P. O. Box 5004, Tanga, Tanzania.
| | - Sonia Menon
- Global Health Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Vito Baraka
- National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Centre, P. O. Box 5004, Tanga, Tanzania
| | - Daniel T.R. Minja
- National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Centre, P. O. Box 5004, Tanga, Tanzania
| | - Swabra Nakato
- Global Health Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Filbert Francis
- National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Centre, P. O. Box 5004, Tanga, Tanzania
| | - John P.A. Lusingu
- National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Centre, P. O. Box 5004, Tanga, Tanzania
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Makenga G, Baraka V, Francis F, Nakato S, Gesase S, Mtove G, Madebe R, Kyaruzi E, Minja DT, Lusingu JP, Van geertruyden JP. Effectiveness and safety of intermittent preventive treatment for malaria using either dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine or artesunate-amodiaquine in reducing malaria related morbidities and improving cognitive ability in school-aged children in Tanzania: A study protocol for a controlled randomised trial. Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2020; 17:100546. [PMID: 32382685 PMCID: PMC7201189 DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2020.100546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In high transmission settings, up to 70% of school-aged children harbour malaria parasites without showing any clinical symptoms. Thus, epidemiologically, school aged children act as a substantial reservoir for malaria transmission. Asymptomatic Plasmodium infections induce inflammation leading to iron deficiency anaemia. Consequently, anaemia retards child growth, predisposes children to other diseases and reduces cognitive potential that could lead to poor academic performance. School aged children become increasingly more vulnerable as compared to those aged less than five years due to delayed acquisition of protective immunity. None of the existing Intermittent Preventive Treatment (IPT) strategies is targeting school-aged children. Here, we describe the study protocol of a clinical trial conducted in north-eastern Tanzania to expand the IPT by assessing the effectiveness and safety of two antimalarial drugs, Dihydroartemisinin-Piperaquine (DP) and Artesunate-Amodiaquine (ASAQ) in preventing malaria related morbidities in school-aged children (IPTsc) living in a high endemic area. METHODS/DESIGN The trial is a phase IIIb, individual randomized, open label, controlled trial enrolling school children aged 5-15 years, who receive either DP or ASAQ or control (no drug), using a "balanced block design" with the "standard of care" arm as reference. The interventional treatments are given three times a year for the first year. A second non-interventional year will assess possible rebound effects. Sample size was estimated to 1602 school children (534 per group) from selected primary schools in an area with high malaria endemicity. Thick and thin blood smears (to measure malaria parasitaemia using microscope) were obtained prior to treatment at baseline, and will be obtained again at month 12 and 20 from all participants. Haemoglobin concentration using a haemoglobinometer (HemoCue AB, Sweden) will be measured four monthly. Finger-prick blood (dried bloodspot-DBS) prepared on Whatman 3 M filter paper, will be used for sub-microscopic malaria parasite detection usingPCR, detect markers of drug resistance (using next generation sequencing (NGS) technology), and malaria serological assays (using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, ELISA). To determine the benefit of IPTsc on cognitive and psychomotor ability test of everyday attention for children (TEA-Ch) and a '20 m Shuttle run' respectively, will be conducted at baseline, month 12 and 20. The primary endpoints are change in mean haemoglobin from baseline concentration and reduction in clinical malaria incidence at month 12 and 20 of follow up. Mixed design methods are used to assess the acceptability, cost-effectiveness and feasibility of IPTsc as part of a more comprehensive school children health package. Statistical analysis will be in the form of multilevel modelling, owing to repeated measurements and clustering effect of participants. DISCUSSION Malaria intervention using IPTsc strategy may be integrated in the existing national school health programme. However, there is limited systematic evidence to assess the effectiveness and operational feasibility of this approach. School-aged children are easily accessible in most endemic malaria settings. The evidence from this study will guide the implementation of the strategy to provide complementary approach to reduce malaria related morbidity, anaemia and contribute to the overall burden reduction. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03640403, registered on Aug 21, 2018, prospectively registered.Url https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03640403?term=NCT03640403&rank=1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Geofrey Makenga
- National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Centre, Tanga, Tanzania
- Global Health Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Vito Baraka
- National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Centre, Tanga, Tanzania
| | - Filbert Francis
- National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Centre, Tanga, Tanzania
| | - Swabra Nakato
- Global Health Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Samwel Gesase
- National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Centre, Tanga, Tanzania
| | - George Mtove
- National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Centre, Tanga, Tanzania
| | - Rashid Madebe
- National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Centre, Tanga, Tanzania
| | - Edna Kyaruzi
- College of Education (DUCE), University of Dar Es Salaam, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Daniel T.R. Minja
- National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Centre, Tanga, Tanzania
| | - John P.A. Lusingu
- National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Centre, Tanga, Tanzania
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Rehman AM, Maiteki-Sebuguzi C, Gonahasa S, Okiring J, Kigozi SP, Chandler CIR, Drakeley C, Dorsey G, Kamya MR, Staedke SG. Intermittent preventive treatment of malaria delivered to primary schoolchildren provided effective individual protection in Jinja, Uganda: secondary outcomes of a cluster-randomized trial (START-IPT). Malar J 2019; 18:318. [PMID: 31533845 PMCID: PMC6751800 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-019-2954-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) of malaria is recommended as policy for certain high-risk populations, but not currently for schoolchildren. A cluster-randomized trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of IPT with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) on primary schoolchildren in Jinja, Uganda. Results of the impact of IPT of schoolchildren on community-level transmission have been reported previously. Here, secondary outcomes from a school-based survey are presented. METHODS Eighty-four clusters (one primary school plus 100 households) were randomized to intervention and control (1:1 ratio). Participants from intervention schools received monthly IPT with DP for up to 6 rounds (June-December 2014). At endline (November-December 2014), randomly selected children from all 84 schools were surveyed (13 per school) and thick blood smears were done. Those with fever or history of fever were tested with rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for malaria. Haemoglobin was measured in every fifth participant. Outcome measures included prevalence of asexual parasites and gametocytes (by microscopy), and prevalence of anaemia. Prevalence outcomes were analysed using generalized linear Poisson models with log link function, incorporating a cluster-level random intercept and quantified using prevalence risk ratios. RESULTS Among 23,280 students listed on the 42 intervention school registers, 10,079 (43.3%) aged 5-20 years were enrolled into the IPT intervention and received at least one dose of DP; of these, 9286 (92.1%) received at least one full (3-day) course. In total, 1092 children were enrolled into the final school survey (546 per arm) and had a thick blood smear done; of these, 255 had haemoglobin measured (129 intervention, 126 control). Children in the intervention arm were less likely to have asexual parasites (9.2% intervention vs 44.1% control, adjusted risk ratio [aRR] 0.22 [95% CI 0.16-0.30] p < 0.001), gametocytes (3.1% intervention vs 9.5% control, aRR 0.34 [95% CI 0.20-0.56] p < 0.001), fever (20.2% intervention vs 56.2% control, aRR 0.35 [95% CI 0.25-0.50] p < 0.001), or symptomatic malaria (5.1% intervention vs 35.7% control, aRR 0.14 [95% CI 0.08-0.26] p < 0.001). Prevalence of anaemia and mean haemoglobin were similar in both study arms. CONCLUSIONS School-aged children are a major reservoir of malaria parasites. Delivering IPT to schoolchildren would benefit individual children and may reduce transmission. School-based IPT could help to intensify malaria control toward elimination, and should be considered for policies and programmes. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02009215), Registered 11 December 2013. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02009215.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea M Rehman
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, LSHTM, London, UK
| | | | - Samuel Gonahasa
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, PO Box 7475, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jaffer Okiring
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, PO Box 7475, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Simon P Kigozi
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, PO Box 7475, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Clare I R Chandler
- Department of Global Health & Development, Department of Clinical Research, LSHTM, London, UK
| | | | - Grant Dorsey
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Moses R Kamya
- School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sarah G Staedke
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, PO Box 7475, Kampala, Uganda.
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Cohee LM, Chilombe M, Ngwira A, Jemu SK, Mathanga DP, Laufer MK. Pilot Study of the Addition of Mass Treatment for Malaria to Existing School-Based Programs to Treat Neglected Tropical Diseases. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2018; 98:95-99. [PMID: 29141763 PMCID: PMC5928736 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.17-0590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), including schistosomiasis and soil transmitted helminths, threaten the health of school aged in sub-Saharan Africa. Established school-based mass drug administration (MDA) programs are used to control NTDs. Recent clinical trials have shown benefit of mass treatment of malaria in schools. The potential of adding malaria treatment to existing NTD programs has not been thoroughly evaluated. We offered malaria treatment with artemether-lumefantrine during routine NTD MDA and developed peer education programs in two primary schools in southern Malawi. We assessed participation, safety, and tolerability of coadministration of artemether-lumefantrine with praziquantel and albendazole. Results were compared with two schools conducting standard NTD MDA with additional monitoring by study staff. A total of 3,387 students (68%) received the standard NTD MDA. Among parents who came to schools on the day of the MDA, malaria treatment was well accepted; 87% of students who received the standard NTD MDA in intervention schools also consented for treatment with artemether-lumefantrine. The most frequent treatment emergent adverse events (AEs) were headache and vomiting. However, AEs were rare and were not more frequent in students who received artemether-lumefantrine in addition to praziquantel and albendazole. In this study, we found that the addition of malaria treatment to NTD MDA is well-received and safe. Such integrated programs may leverage existing infrastructures to reduce intervention costs and could become the framework for further integrated school-based health programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M Cohee
- Division of Malaria Research, Institute for Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Moses Chilombe
- Malaria Alert Center, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Andrew Ngwira
- Malaria Alert Center, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - Don P Mathanga
- Malaria Alert Center, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Miriam K Laufer
- Division of Malaria Research, Institute for Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Cohee L, Laufer M. Tackling malaria transmission in sub-Saharan Africa. Lancet Glob Health 2018; 6:e598-e599. [PMID: 29661636 PMCID: PMC6375073 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(18)30197-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Cohee
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; Division of Malaria, Institute for Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
| | - Miriam Laufer
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; Division of Malaria, Institute for Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Staedke SG, Maiteki-Sebuguzi C, Rehman AM, Kigozi SP, Gonahasa S, Okiring J, Lindsay SW, Kamya MR, Chandler CIR, Dorsey G, Drakeley C. Assessment of community-level effects of intermittent preventive treatment for malaria in schoolchildren in Jinja, Uganda (START-IPT trial): a cluster-randomised trial. LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH 2018; 6:e668-e679. [PMID: 29661635 PMCID: PMC5952991 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(18)30126-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2017] [Revised: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Background Intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) is a well established malaria control intervention. Evidence that delivering IPT to schoolchildren could provide community-level benefits is limited. We did a cluster-randomised controlled trial to assess the effect of IPT of primary schoolchildren with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) on indicators of malaria transmission in the community, in Jinja, Uganda. Methods We included 84 clusters, each comprising one primary school and the 100 closest available households. The clusters were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive IPT with DP or standard care (control) by restricted randomisation to ensure balance by geography and school type. Children in intervention schools received IPT monthly for up to six rounds (June to December, 2014). We did cross-sectional community surveys in randomly selected households at baseline and in January to April, 2015, during which we measured participants' temperatures and obtained finger-prick blood smears for measurement of parasite prevalence by microscopy. We also did entomological surveys 1 night per month in households from 20 randomly selected IPT and 20 control clusters. The primary trial outcome was parasite prevalence in the final community survey. The primary entomological survey outcome was the annual entomological inoculation rate (aEIR) from July, 2014, to April, 2015. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02009215. Findings Among 23 280 students registered in the 42 intervention schools, 10 079 (43%) aged 5–20 years were enrolled and received at least one dose of DP. 9286 (92%) of 10 079 received at least one full course of DP (three doses). Community-level parasite prevalence was lower in the intervention clusters than in the control clusters (19% vs 23%, adjusted risk ratio 0·85, 95% CI 0·73–1·00, p=0·05). The aEIR was lower in the intervention group than in the control group, but not significantly so (10·1 vs 15·2 infective bites per person, adjusted incidence rate ratio 0·80, 95% CI 0·36–1·80, p=0·59). Interpretation IPT of schoolchildren with DP might have a positive effect on community-level malaria indicators and be operationally feasible. Studies with greater IPT coverage are needed. Funding UK Medical Research Council, UK Department for International Development, and Wellcome Trust.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah G Staedke
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | | | - Andrea M Rehman
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Simon P Kigozi
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Jaffer Okiring
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Moses R Kamya
- School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Clare I R Chandler
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Grant Dorsey
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Chris Drakeley
- Department of Infection and Immunity, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Matangila JR, Fraeyman J, Kambulu MLM, Mpanya A, da Luz RI, Lutumba P, Van Geertruyden JP, Bastiaens H. The perception of parents and teachers about intermittent preventive treatment for malaria in school children in a semi-rural area of Kinshasa, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Malar J 2017; 16:19. [PMID: 28061851 PMCID: PMC5219767 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-016-1670-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 12/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) is likely to be the most promising therapeutic strategy to prevent malaria and its related adverse outcomes in schoolchildren. However, its successful implementation will depend on acceptability to key stakeholders such as parents and teachers. METHODS A qualitative research was conducted, following a clinical trial assessing the effectiveness of IPT in schoolchildren (IPTsc), to understand the perceptions and experiences of parents and teachers with IPTsc, in two schools of Mokali, in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Eighty parents participated in 8 focus group discussions and 6 school staff were involved in 6 semi-structured interviews. RESULTS Parents experiences with IPTsc divided them into two groups (owning positive experiences and owning negative experiences with IPTsc). Three major themes emerged as key factors associated with reluctance of parents to IPT use in schoolchildren. These included wrong malaria-related knowledge, bad experience with IPTsc administered during the trial and misunderstanding of IPTsc. The school staff were generally willing to be trained to give medicine to schoolchildren within the scope of IPT. However, most parents were more comfortable with the use of health workers than teachers for drug administration. More importantly, all parents accepting IPT suggested to diagnose malaria infection before any administration of IPT, which is not in line with IPT principal. CONCLUSION These results suggest that more efforts are needed to improve overall malaria-related knowledge in the community, specifically chemo-prevention strategies and the safety of the drugs used, to ensure the success of health interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junior R. Matangila
- Département de Médecine Tropicale, Université de Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Epidemiology for Global Health Institute, University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Jessica Fraeyman
- Research Group Medical Sociology and Health Policy, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Alain Mpanya
- Department of Diseases Control, Ministry of Public Health, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Raquel Inocêncio da Luz
- Epidemiology for Global Health Institute, University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Pascal Lutumba
- Département de Médecine Tropicale, Université de Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Jean-Pierre Van Geertruyden
- Epidemiology for Global Health Institute, University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Hilde Bastiaens
- Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|