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The impact of community delivery of intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy on its coverage in four sub-Saharan African countries (Democratic Republic of the Congo, Madagascar, Mozambique, and Nigeria): a quasi-experimental multicentre evaluation. Lancet Glob Health 2023; 11:e566-e574. [PMID: 36925177 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(23)00051-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy (IPTp) with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine is recommended at each antenatal care clinic visit in high-moderate transmission areas. However, its coverage remains unacceptably low in many countries. Community health workers can effectively deliver malaria preventive interventions. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of community delivery of IPTp (C-IPTp) on antenatal care and IPTp coverage. METHODS A community-based IPTp administration approach was implemented in four sub-Saharan countries: the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo), Madagascar, Mozambique, and Nigeria. A quasi-experimental before and after evaluation by cluster sampling was designed where C-IPTp was implemented in selected country areas in different phases. Baseline (before C-IPTp implementation), midline, and endline household surveys were carried out to assess IPTp intake in pregnant women in 2018, 2019, and 2021. Eligible participants of the household survey were women of reproductive age (13-50 years old, depending on the country) that had a pregnancy that ended (any pregnancy regardless of pregnancy outcome) in the 6 months before the interview. For the first baseline surveys, the target population was women who had a pregnancy that ended in the 12 months before the interview. The primary outcome from the household surveys was the proportion of women who reported having received at least three doses of IPTp during pregnancy. The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03600844. FINDINGS A total of 32 household surveys were conducted between March 15, and Oct 30, 2018, and data from 18 215 interviewed women were analysed. The coverage of at least three doses of IPTp (IPTp3+) increased after the first year of C-IPTp implementation in all project areas in DR Congo (from 22·5% [170/755] to 31·8% [507/1596]), Madagascar (from 17·7% [101/572] to 40·8% [573/1404]), and Nigeria (from 12·7% [130/1027] to 35·2% [423/1203]), with increases between 145·6% (Madagascar) and 506·6% (Nigeria). IPTp3+ coverage increased between baseline and endline in all districts, except for Murrupula (Mozambique) and ranged between 9·6% and 533·6%. This pattern was similar in DR Congo, Madagascar, and Nigeria, and in Mozambique, the increase was lower than the other countries. Antenatal care attendance did not change or increased lightly in all study countries. INTERPRETATION C-IPTp was associated with an increase in IPTp uptake without reducing antenatal care attendance. The strategy might be considered for malaria control in pregnancy. FUNDING UNITAID [2017-13-TIPTOP].
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Peters GO, Naidoo M. Factors influencing intermittent preventive treatment for malaria prevention among pregnant women accessing antenatal care in selected primary health care facilities of Bwari Area Council, Abuja Nigeria. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0277877. [PMID: 36520849 PMCID: PMC9754266 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although studies in Nigeria showed the efficacy of intermittent preventive treatment using sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPT-SP) in preventing malaria in pregnancy among Nigerian women there is still poor implementation of the intervention in Nigeria. METHODS A mixed method study was conducted in Bwari Area Council, Nigeria in 2018. The quantitative part of the study is presented and discussed in this paper. Pregnant women were interviewed using a validated interviewer-administered questionnaire and observations of current practice were performed. RESULTS A total of 422 pregnant women were recruited into the study (mean age, 26 years) with the majority being married women (90.3%). Most respondents (68.5%) did not know who could take IPT-SP and 58.5% of respondents did not know when and how many times IPT-SP should be taken during pregnancy. Nearly all participants (99.5%) did not take SP at the facility under direct observation of the health worker. None of the facilities had free SP and all respondents paid for SP through the Drug Revolving Fund. The knowledge of the use of SP was significantly influenced by respondents' parity, ward of residence, antenatal clinic (ANC) attendance history and education. Respondents who had tertiary and secondary education were 8.3 (95% CI: 1.01-68.27) times more likely to use IPT-SP than those without formal education. CONCLUSION Most women who attend ANC in Bwari Area council did not receive IPT-SP as per the national guidelines. The unavailability of logistics (SP, Water and Cup) on a regular basis, the cost of the SP, poor knowledge of the importance of IPT in malaria prevention, and the non-implementation of the administration of SP under direct observation were factors influencing the use of IPT-SP. Outcomes could be enhanced through the provision of measures to address identified gaps by this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Olufunke Peters
- Discipline of Family Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South-Africa
| | - Mergan Naidoo
- Discipline of Family Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South-Africa
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Intermittent preventive treatment with Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) is associated with protection against sub-microscopic P. falciparum infection in pregnant women during the low transmission dry season in southwestern Cameroon: A Semi - longitudinal study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0275370. [PMID: 36178962 PMCID: PMC9524640 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0275370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The current guidelines for malaria prevention and control during pregnancy in Africa is predicated on the prevention of infection and/or disease through intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp), insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and effective malaria case diagnosis and management. Concerns that increasing SP resistance in some areas of SSA may have compromised IPTp-SP efficacy prompted this contemporaneous study, designed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of sub-microscopic infection in parturient women during the low transmission season in Mutengene, a rapidly growing semi-urban area in Southwest Region, Cameroon. Pregnant women originally reporting for the establishment of antenatal clinic care during the dry season were followed-up to term and their pregnancy outcomes recorded. About 2 ml of venous blood was collected for malaria diagnosis using PfHRP2/pLDH malaria rapid diagnostic kit and light microscopy. DNA was extracted from dried blood spots by the Chelex-100 method and the Plasmodium falciparum status detected by nested PCR amplification of the 18SrRNA gene using specific predesigned primers. Of the 300 women enrolled, the proportion of malaria parasite infected as determined by microscopy, RDT and PCR was 12.9%, 16.4% and 29.4% respectively, with 39.9% overall infected with P. falciparum by microscopy and/or RDT and/or PCR and a very low-density infection, averaging 271 parasites per microliter of blood. About 25.0% (68/272) of women who were negative by microscopy were positive by PCR (submicroscopic P. falciparum infection), with primigravidae and IPTp-SP non usage identified as independent risk factors for submicroscopic P. falciparum parasitaemia while fever history (aOR = 4.83, 95% CI = 1.28-18.22, p = 0.020) was associated with risk of malaria parasite infection overall. IPTp-SP use (p = 0.007) and dosage (p = 0.005) significantly influenced whether or not the participant will be malaria parasite negative or carry submicroscopic or microscopic infection. Although Infant birthweight and APGAR score were independent of the mother's P. falciparum infection and submicroscopic status, infant's birthweight varied with the gravidity status (p = 0.001) of the mother, with significantly lower birthweight neonates born to primigravidae compared to secundigravidae (p = 0.001) and multigravidae (p = 0.003). Even in holo-endemic dry season, there exists a large proportion of pregnant women with very low density parasitaemia. IPTp-SP seems to be relevant in controlling submicroscopic P. falciparum infections, which remains common in pregnant women, and are hard to diagnose, with potentially deleterious consequences for maternal and fetal health. Future studies should be carried out in hyperendemic malaria foci where the parasitemia levels are substantially higher in order to confirm the efficacy of IPTp-SP.
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Darteh EKM, Dickson KS, Ahinkorah BO, Owusu BA, Okyere J, Salihu T, Bio Bediako V, Budu E, Agbemavi W, Edjah JO, Seidu AA. Factors influencing the uptake of intermittent preventive treatment among pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa: a multilevel analysis. Arch Public Health 2021; 79:182. [PMID: 34670628 PMCID: PMC8529836 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-021-00707-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Intermittent Preventive Treatment (IPT) of malaria in pregnancy is a full therapeutic course of antimalarial sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) medicine given to pregnant women in their second trimester at routine antenatal care visits, regardless of whether the recipient is infected with malaria. Given the negative consequences of malaria in pregnancy, studies on Intermittent Preventive Therapy with Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) are important benchmarks for understanding the extent of malaria control and prevention during pregnancy. We, therefore, examined the factors associated with the uptake of IPTp-SP among pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods We used data from the current versions of the Malaria Indicators Survey of 12 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Women aged 15–49 years participated in the surveys. The analyses were carried out using Stata version 14.2. Descriptive (frequencies and percentages) and multilevel regression analyses were carried out. The results of the multilevel regression analysis were presented as adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results The average prevalence of uptake of IPTp-SP among pregnant women in the studied sub-Saharan African countries was 30.69%, with the highest and lowest prevalences in Ghana (59.64%) and Madagascar (10.08%), respectively. Women aged 40–44 compared to those aged 15–19 (aOR = 1.147, 95%CI = [1.02,1.30) had higher odds of receiving 3 or more doses of IPTp-SP. Women with a secondary/higher level of education compared to those with no formal education (aOR = 1.12, 95%CI = 1.04,1.20] also had higher odds of receiving 3 or more doses of IPTp-SP. Women who were exposed to malaria messages on the radio (aOR = 1.07, 95%CI = 1.02,1.12] and television (aOR = 1.13,95%CI = [1.05,1.21]) had higher odds of receiving 3 or more doses of IPTp-SP compared to those who were not exposed. Conclusion Our study indicates that the uptake of IPTp-SP is relatively low among the countries included in this study, with significant inter-country variations. Higher educational level, exposure to media, low parity, and higher age group were associated with higher odds of optimal IPTp-SP uptake. National policies, programs, guidance services such as information service and counselling and other interventions aimed at improving the coverage and uptake of IPTp-SP must be targeted at women with low level of education, non-exposure to media, high parity, and younger age group to attain the desired outcome. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13690-021-00707-z.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Bright Opoku Ahinkorah
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Joshua Okyere
- Department of Population and Health, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Tarif Salihu
- Department of Population and Health, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Vincent Bio Bediako
- Department of Population and Health, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Eugene Budu
- Department of Population and Health, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Wonder Agbemavi
- Department of Population and Health, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana.
| | | | - Abdul-Aziz Seidu
- Department of Estate management, Takoradi Technical University, Takoradi, Ghana
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Mutanyi JA, Onguru DO, Ogolla SO, Adipo LB. Determinants of the uptake of intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy with sulphadoxine pyrimethamine in Sabatia Sub County, Western Kenya. Infect Dis Poverty 2021; 10:106. [PMID: 34362443 PMCID: PMC8343925 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-021-00887-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Annually, 125.2 million pregnant women worldwide risk contracting malaria, including 30.3 million and 1.5 million in Sub-Saharan Africa and Kenya respectively. At least three doses of sulphadoxine pyrimethamine for intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy (IPTp-SP) is recommended for optimal benefit. Kenya recorded low IPTp-SP optimal uptake in 2015. This study investigated the prevalence of and factors influencing IPTp-SP optimal uptake in Sabatia Sub County, Western Kenya. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in Sabatia Sub County from April to October 2020. Using a validated semi-structured questionnaire, data were obtained from 372 randomly sampled post-delivery women aged 15-49 years with live birth within one year preceding the study. Women on cotrimoxazole prophylaxis during pregnancy were excluded. Pearson Chi-square and Fisher's Exact test were measures of association used. Binary logistic regression analysed predictors of optimal IPTp-SP uptake. RESULTS Optimal IPTp-SP uptake was 79.6%, 95% CI 75.5%-83.7%. Predictors of IPTp-SP optimization were gestational age at first antenatal care (ANC) visit (P = 0.04), frequency of ANC visits (P < 0.001), maternal knowledge of IPTp-SP benefits (P < 0.001), maternal knowledge of optimal sulphadoxine pyrimethamine (SP) dose (P = 0.03) and SP administration at ANC clinic (P = 0.03). Late ANC initiators were less likely to receive optimal IPTp-SP (aOR = 0.4, 95% CI 0.2-0.9). Odds of optimizing IPTp-SP increased among women with ≥ 4 ANC visits (aOR = 16.7, 95% CI 7.9-35.3), good knowledge of IPTp-SP benefits (aOR = 2.4, 95% CI 1.3-4.5) and good knowledge of optimal SP dose (aOR = 1.9, 95% CI 1.1-3.4). Women who never missed being administered SP were highly likely to receive optimal IPTp-SP (aOR = 2.9, 95% CI 1.1-7.2) CONCLUSIONS: This study has found high IPTp-SP optimal uptake in the study area. Efforts should be directed towards early and more frequent ANC visits. Intensive and targeted health education is required. It's fundamental to adequately stock and consistently administer SP. Future studies considering larger samples and health workers' perspectives of the health system delivery factors are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua A Mutanyi
- Department of Public and Community Health, School of Health Sciences, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 210, Bondo, 40601, Kenya.
| | - Daniel O Onguru
- Department of Public and Community Health, School of Health Sciences, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 210, Bondo, 40601, Kenya
| | - Sidney O Ogolla
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Global Health Research, P.O. Box 20778, Kisumu, 00202, Kenya
| | - Lawrence B Adipo
- Department of Public and Community Health, School of Health Sciences, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 210, Bondo, 40601, Kenya
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Sangho O, Tounkara M, Whiting-Collins LJ, Beebe M, Winch PJ, Doumbia S. Determinants of intermittent preventive treatment with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine in pregnant women (IPTp-SP) in Mali, a household survey. Malar J 2021; 20:231. [PMID: 34022901 PMCID: PMC8141251 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03764-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In malaria endemic regions, intermittent preventive treatment with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) is recommended for all pregnant women during prenatal consultation, from the fourth month of pregnancy up to the time of delivery. The Government of Mali is aiming for universal coverage of IPTp-SP. However, coverage is still low, estimated to be 18% for completion of three doses (IPTp-SP3). The objective of this study was to identify the factors that influence IPTp-SP adherence in the Health District of Sélingué, Mali. Methods This was a cross-sectional survey with 30 clusters, proportional to village size, with two stages of sampling. Data were collected electronically with Magpi software during face-to-face interviews/surveys. The data were analysed with SPSS version 20. A descriptive analysis and bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were performed. An equity analysis examined the effect of distance from health care facility on completion of three or more antenatal visits (ANC3 +) and three or more doses of intermittent preventive treatment (IPTp-SP3 +). Results Of the 1,021 women surveyed, 87.8% (n = 896) attended at least one ANC visit. Of these, 86.3% (n = 773) received at least one dose of IPTp-SP. Compliance with three or more doses of IPTp-SP was 63.7%. The determinants statistically related to ANC3 + were the early initiation of ANC (OR = 3.22 [1.22, 10.78]), and the presence of a community health centre (CHC) in the village (OR = 9.69 [1.09, 86.21]). The ability to read (OR = 1.60 [1.01, 2.55]), the early initiation of ANC (OR = 1.46 [1.06, 2.00], knowledge of the utility of the drug (OR = 2.38 [1.24, 4.57]), and knowledge of the recommended dose of the drug (OR = 6.11 [3.98, 9.39]) were related to completion of three or more treatments (IPTp-SP3 +). Conclusion The early initiation of ANC was a positive determinant of the completeness of both ANC3 + and IPTp-SP3 + . This study shows that a successful implementation of the IPTp strategy can be achieved by improving access to prenatal care at community health facilities, and strengthening patient-provider communication to ensure adequate knowledge on dosing of IPTp-SP and the benefits to mother and child.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oumar Sangho
- Department of Education and Research of Biological and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali. .,Department of Education and Research in Public Health and Specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali.
| | - Moctar Tounkara
- Department of Education and Research in Public Health and Specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | | | - Madeleine Beebe
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Peter J Winch
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Seydou Doumbia
- Department of Education and Research in Public Health and Specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
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Peters GO, Naidoo M. Factors influencing the use of intermittent preventive treatment of pregnant women seeking care at primary healthcare facilities in the Bwari Area Council, Abuja, Nigeria. Afr J Prim Health Care Fam Med 2020; 12:e1-e8. [PMID: 32370528 PMCID: PMC7203208 DOI: 10.4102/phcfm.v12i1.2256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The use of intermittent preventive treatment-sulphadoxine–pyrimethamine (IPT-SP), adapted by Nigeria, is one key preventive strategy recommended by the World Health Organization. Because antenatal clinics serve as the usual entry point for IPT-SP implementation, this study explored healthcare workers’ knowledge and practice, which are key to optimal IPT-SP coverage. Aim This study aimed to explore the knowledge and practices of healthcare workers on the direct observation of IPT-SP amongst pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) in the Bwari Area Council (BWAC) of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria. Setting The study took place at five different wards of Bwari Area Council and eight Antenatal care facilities in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. Methods In-depth interviews and indirect observations were conducted among purposively selected healthcare workers in charge of the ANC of the eligible facilities. The study explored the knowledge and practices of healthcare workers on intermittent preventive treatment. Data were transcribed, translated and manually coded, and thematic analysis was conducted. Results Healthcare workers’ knowledge of IPT-SP, mode of administration and the rationale behind the use were poor. They all agreed that IPT-SP is supposed to be administered as a directly observed therapy at the clinic, but this practice was non-existent. Conclusion The findings indicate that factors such as adequate technical skill, accessibility and availability of logistics influence knowledge and practice of IPT service delivery. Therefore, measures should be put in place to address gaps identified by this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace O Peters
- Discipline of Family Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Durban.
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Uptake of intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy for malaria: further analysis of the 2016 Ghana Malaria Indicator Survey. J Public Health (Oxf) 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10389-020-01206-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
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Quakyi I, Tornyigah B, Houze P, Kusi KA, Coleman N, Escriou G, Laar A, Cot M, Fobil J, Asare GQ, Deloron P, Anang AK, Cottrell G, Ofori MF, Ndam NT. High uptake of Intermittent Preventive Treatment of malaria in pregnancy is associated with improved birth weight among pregnant women in Ghana. Sci Rep 2019; 9:19034. [PMID: 31836735 PMCID: PMC6911095 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-55046-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the clinically proven advantages of intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy (IPTp) with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP), utilisation has been low in many African countries. To increase uptake and achieve the desired effect, the World Health Organization revised the policy to a monthly administration. Assessing the coverage and impact of the revised policy on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes is, therefore, a necessity. A 2-parallel cross-sectional hospital-based study was carried out among pregnant women attending first antenatal care (ANC) and delivery. Maternal and cord blood samples were assayed for malaria parasites by quantitative PCR targeting both the 18S rDNA and the acidic terminal segment of Plasmodium falciparum var genes, and plasma SP levels were measured by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. Parasite prevalence was similar between the two study sites but decreased significantly between the first ANC (9% or 43%) and delivery (4% or 11%) based on the qPCR target. At delivery, 64.5% of women received ≥3 IPTp-SP dose, 15.5% received 2 doses and 6% had 1 dose. Taking ≥3 IPTp-SP doses was associated with an average birth weight increase of more than 0.165 kg. IPTp-SP uptake was associated with plasma SP level at delivery (OR = 32.3, p ≤ 0.005, 95% CI (13.3;78.4) for those that reported ≥3 IPTp-SP doses) while the same trend of improved birth weight was observed with high plasma SP levels. The new IPTp policy is well implemented and well utilised by women in the sites considered in this study and translates to the improved birth weight observed. This study confirms the interest and the clinical benefit expected from this policy change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Quakyi
- Université de Paris, MERIT, IRD, F-75006, Paris, France.,Department of Biological Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Bernard Tornyigah
- Université de Paris, MERIT, IRD, F-75006, Paris, France.,Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, Legon, Ghana
| | - Pascal Houze
- Service de biochimie générale, Hôpital universitaire Necker-Enfants Malades, AP-HP, 149 rue de Sèvres, 75015, Paris, France.,Unité de Technologies Biologiques et Chimiques pour la Santé (UTCBS), Paris 5-CNRS UMR8258 Inserm U1022, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France.,Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Kwadwo A Kusi
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, Legon, Ghana
| | - Nathaniel Coleman
- Department of Biological Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | | | - Amos Laar
- Department of Biological Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Michel Cot
- Université de Paris, MERIT, IRD, F-75006, Paris, France
| | - Julius Fobil
- Department of Biological Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Gloria Quansah Asare
- Department of Biological Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | | | - Abraham K Anang
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | | | - Michael F Ofori
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, Legon, Ghana
| | - Nicaise Tuikue Ndam
- Université de Paris, MERIT, IRD, F-75006, Paris, France. .,Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, Legon, Ghana.
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Nkoka O, Chuang TW, Chen YH. Association between timing and number of antenatal care visits on uptake of intermittent preventive treatment for malaria during pregnancy among Malawian women. Malar J 2018; 17:211. [PMID: 29793482 PMCID: PMC5968590 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-018-2360-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Malaria in pregnancy is a critical public health challenge, and intermittent preventive treatment for malaria during pregnancy (IPTp) has proven to be an effective intervention. However, access to and use of malaria interventions, including IPTp, remains a considerable problem among African women. This cross-sectional study investigated factors, including antenatal care (ANC) attendance (both numbers of visits and timing of the first visit) and socio-demographics, associated with the uptake of the recommended IPTp dose among Malawian women. Methods A nationally representative sample of women with a live birth in the 2 years preceding the survey from the Malawi Demographic Health Survey 2015–2016 dataset was analysed. Self-reported data on socio-demographics, ANC attendance and IPTp uptake were collected using a questionnaire and analysed using logistic models. Results Of the 6549 included women, 1981 (30.2%) took the recommended three or more IPTp doses. Despite inadequate ANC visits, early ANC initiation increased the likelihood of these women taking the recommended IPTp dose; women who initiated ANC in the first [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.24; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.44–3.49] and second (aOR = 2.19; 95% CI = 1.56–3.08) trimesters were more likely to take the recommended IPTp dose compared to late initiators. The effect of the number of ANC visits on IPTp uptake was significant in married women (aOR = 1.68, 95% CI = 1.42–1.98), and the timing of first ANC visit was associated with IPTp uptake only among rural women (aOR = 2.13, 95% CI = 1.54–2.95). Conclusion ANC attendance is vital in IPTp uptake. The results highlight the need for health care providers to encourage women, particularly those in high-risk groups, to make frequent ANC visits and receive early ANC initiation to ensure high coverage of the recommended IPTp dose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Owen Nkoka
- School of Public Health, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Wu Chuang
- Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hua Chen
- School of Public Health, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Prevention of malaria in pregnancy. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2018; 18:e119-e132. [PMID: 29395997 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(18)30064-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Revised: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Malaria remains one of the most preventable causes of adverse birth outcomes. Intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine is used to prevent malaria, but resistance to this drug combination has decreased its efficacy and new alternatives are needed. In Africa, a meta-analysis showed three-course or monthly IPTp with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine to be safe and more effective than the original two-course sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine strategy, prompting WHO to update its policy in 2012. Although resistance to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine reduces the parasitological efficacy of IPTp, this drug combination remains associated with reduced incidence of low birthweight in areas where prevalence of parasites with quintuple Plasmodium falciparum dihydrofolate reductase (Pfdhfr) and dihydropteroate synthetase (Pfdhps) mutations is greater than 90%. Nevertheless, its effectiveness is compromised in women infected with sextuple mutant parasites. Six trials of IPTp showed that neither amodiaquine, mefloquine, nor chloroquine-azithromycin are suitable replacements for sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine because of poor tolerability. Furthermore, four trials showed that intermittent screening and treatment with the current generation of malaria rapid diagnostic tests was not a suitable alternative strategy to IPTp with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, even in areas with high prevalence of quintuple mutations. Two trials showed that IPTp with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine was well tolerated, effective, and acceptable for IPTp, with monthly regimens being the most effective. Coverage of IPTp and insecticide-treated nets continues to lag behind targets. The key barriers to uptake are well documented, and many are open to intervention. Outside of Africa, a single trial suggests a potential role for integrated approaches that combine sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine with azithromycin for IPTp in areas of Papua New Guinea where malaria transmission is high. Modelling analysis suggests the importance of the prevention of malaria early in pregnancy and the need to protect pregnant women declines more slowly than the rate at which transmission declines. Improved funding has led to an increase in the number of prevention trials in the past decade, showing the value of more sustained protection with monthly IPTp regimens. There is a need for confirmatory trials of the safety, efficacy, and feasibility of IPTp with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine, for studies of intermittent screening and treatment with more sensitive rapid diagnostic tests, for studies of integrated strategies for malaria and other co-infections, and for studies of prevention strategies for malaria in pregnant women who are HIV-positive and living outside of Africa. Additional research is required on how to improve uptake of WHO's updated policy on IPTp with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine and insecticide-treated nets.
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"Every day they keep adding new tools but they don't take any away": Producing indicators for intermittent preventive treatment for malaria in pregnancy (IPTp) from routine data in Kenya. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0189699. [PMID: 29298303 PMCID: PMC5751991 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0189699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intermittent preventive treatment for malaria in pregnancy (IPTp) is part of a multi-pronged strategy aimed at preventing malaria in pregnancy in areas of moderate to high transmission in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite being formally adopted as a malaria prevention policy over a decade ago, IPTp coverage has remained low. Recent demands for action have incorporated calls to strengthen IPTp monitoring and evaluation systems, including the use of routine data, to measure coverage, track implementation and identify roadblocks to improving uptake. Concerns about the quality of malaria indicators reported through routine information systems are well recognized, but there are few data on the realities of IPTp recording practices in frontline facilities or their entry into District Health Information Software (DHIS2). METHODS Drawing on fieldwork conducted in two malaria endemic sub-counties in Kenya, we explore how local adaptations and innovations employed by health workers and sub-country managers to cope with a range of health system constraints, shape recording practices and in turn, the measurement of IPTp. Data were collected through observations, interviews, and document reviews. Data analysis and interpretation was guided by thematic analysis approach. RESULTS Measurement of IPTp was undermined by health system constraints such as stock-out of drugs and human resource shortages. Coping strategies adopted by health workers to address these challenges ensured continuity in service delivery and IPTp data generation but had variable consequences on IPTp data quality. Unclear recording and reporting instructions also led to lack of standardization in IPTp data generation. The use of redundant tools created significant data burdens which undermined service delivery in general. CONCLUSIONS There is need to integrate monthly reporting forms so as to remove redundancies which exacerbates workload for health workers and disrupts service delivery. Similarly, data collection instructions in registers and reporting forms need to be clarified to standardize IPTp data generation across health facilities. There is also need to address broader contextual factors such as stock-out of commodities and human resource shortages which undermine IPTp data generation process.
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Olukoya O, Adebiyi O. MISSED OPPORTUNITIES FOR INTERMITTENT PREVENTIVE TREATMENT FOR MALARIA IN PREGNANCY IN NIGERIA: EVIDENCE FROM DEMOGRAPHIC AND HEALTH SURVEY IN NIGERIA 2013. Ann Ib Postgrad Med 2017; 15:88-95. [PMID: 29556162 PMCID: PMC5846180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria is of global health concern particularly among pregnant women. Nigeria contributes largely to global burden but coverage of Intermittent Preventive Treatment of malaria in pregnancy using Sulphadoxine pyrimethamine remains low. This study was conducted to determine the national situation of missed opportunity for IPTp-SP and attempted to look at correlates and predictors. METHOD The study used secondary data analysis of the Nigeria Demographic Health Survey, 2013. Data on socio-demographics, ANC characteristics and IPTp-SP use during pregnancy among 6,910 women aged 15-49 years who delivered in the last two years with at least 4 ANC visits were analyzed. Missed opportunity for IPTp delivery was defined as an ANC visit where IPTp was not delivered as per the policy. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 21. Associations used Chi-square test and significant variables were fit into multi-variate logistic regression model. All analyses were performed at 5% level of significance. RESULTS National prevalence for missed opportunity for IPTp-SP was high (73.4%). Predictors of missed opportunity are being of poorer, middle and richer wealth index (OR=0.737, CI 0.566-0.960); (OR=0.659, CI 0.521-0.833); (OR=0.686, CI 0.550-0.857), residence in South East OR=0.549, CI (0.415-0.726) and in the North West (OR=0.176, CI 0.133-0.232). Other predictors are having a primary and secondary education and presenting for the first ANC visit in the second trimester OR=0.739, p=0.024, CI (0.569-0.961). CONCLUSION Missed opportunity for IPTp-SP was high. The need for stronger governmental commitment to upscale uptake of IPTp-SP by incorporating the knowledge of socio-economic, cultural and demographic barriers to accessing IPTp is paramount.
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Affiliation(s)
- O.O Olukoya
- Department of Community Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - O.A. Adebiyi
- Department of Community Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria,Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
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Choi SE, Brandeau ML, Bendavid E. Cost-effectiveness of malaria preventive treatment for HIV-infected pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa. Malar J 2017; 16:403. [PMID: 28985732 PMCID: PMC6389090 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-017-2047-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Malaria is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among HIV-infected pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa: at least 1 million pregnancies among HIV-infected women are complicated by co-infection with malaria annually, leading to increased risk of premature delivery, severe anaemia, delivery of low birth weight infants, and maternal death. Current guidelines recommend either daily cotrimoxazole (CTX) or intermittent preventive treatment with sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) for HIV-infected pregnant women to prevent malaria and its complications. The cost-effectiveness of CTX compared to IPTp-SP among HIV-infected pregnant women was assessed. Methods A microsimulation model of malaria and HIV among pregnant women in five malaria-endemic countries in sub-Saharan Africa was constructed. Four strategies were compared: (1) 2-dose IPTp-SP at current IPTp-SP coverage of the country (“2-IPT Low”); (2) 3-dose IPTp-SP at current coverage (“3-IPT Low”); (3) 3-dose IPTp-SP at the same coverage as antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the country (“3-IPT High”); and (4) daily CTX at ART coverage. Outcomes measured include maternal malaria, anaemia, low birth weight (LBW), and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Sensitivity analyses assessed the effect of adherence to CTX. Results Compared with the 2-IPT Low Strategy, women receiving CTX had 22.5% fewer LBW infants (95% CI 22.3–22.7), 13.5% fewer anaemia cases (95% CI 13.4–13.5), and 13.6% fewer maternal malaria cases (95% CI 13.6–13.7). In all simulated countries, CTX was the preferred strategy, with incremental cost-effectiveness ratios ranging from cost-saving to $3.9 per DALY averted from a societal perspective. CTX was less effective than the 3-IPT High Strategy when more than 18% of women stopped taking CTX during the pregnancy. Conclusion In malarious regions of sub-Saharan Africa, daily CTX for HIV-infected pregnant women regardless of CD4 cell count is cost-effective compared with 3-dose IPTp-SP as long as more than 82% of women adhere to daily dosing. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12936-017-2047-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Eun Choi
- Department of Management Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Margaret L Brandeau
- Department of Management Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Eran Bendavid
- Division of General Medical Disciplines, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.,Center for Health Policy and the Center for Primary Care and Outcomes Research, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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Bennett A, Avanceña ALV, Wegbreit J, Cotter C, Roberts K, Gosling R. Engaging the private sector in malaria surveillance: a review of strategies and recommendations for elimination settings. Malar J 2017; 16:252. [PMID: 28615026 PMCID: PMC5471855 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-017-1901-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In malaria elimination settings, all malaria cases must be identified, documented and investigated. To facilitate complete and timely reporting of all malaria cases and effective case management and follow-up, engagement with private providers is essential, particularly in settings where the private sector is a major source of healthcare. However, research on the role and performance of the private sector in malaria diagnosis, case management and reporting in malaria elimination settings is limited. Moreover, the most effective strategies for private sector engagement in malaria elimination settings remain unclear. METHODS Twenty-five experts in malaria elimination, disease surveillance and private sector engagement were purposively sampled and interviewed. An extensive review of grey and peer-reviewed literature on private sector testing, treatment, and reporting for malaria was performed. Additional in-depth literature review was conducted for six case studies on eliminating and neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia and Southern Africa. RESULTS The private health sector can be categorized based on their commercial orientation or business model (for-profit versus nonprofit) and their regulation status within a country (formal vs informal). A number of potentially effective strategies exist for engaging the private sector. Conducting a baseline assessment of the private sector is critical to understanding its composition, size, geographical distribution and quality of services provided. Facilitating reporting, referral and training linkages between the public and private sectors and making malaria a notifiable disease are important strategies to improve private sector involvement in malaria surveillance. Financial incentives for uptake of rapid diagnostic tests and artemisinin-based combination therapy should be combined with training and community awareness campaigns for improving uptake. Private sector providers can also be organized and better engaged through social franchising, effective regulation, professional organizations and government outreach. CONCLUSION This review highlights the importance of engaging private sector stakeholders early and often in the development of malaria elimination strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Bennett
- Malaria Elimination Initiative, UCSF Global Health Group, 550 16th Street, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, 550 16th Street, 2nd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA
| | - Anton L. V. Avanceña
- Malaria Elimination Initiative, UCSF Global Health Group, 550 16th Street, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA
| | - Jennifer Wegbreit
- Malaria Elimination Initiative, UCSF Global Health Group, 550 16th Street, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA
| | - Chris Cotter
- Malaria Elimination Initiative, UCSF Global Health Group, 550 16th Street, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA
| | - Kathryn Roberts
- Malaria Elimination Initiative, UCSF Global Health Group, 550 16th Street, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA
| | - Roly Gosling
- Malaria Elimination Initiative, UCSF Global Health Group, 550 16th Street, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, 550 16th Street, 2nd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA
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Affiliation(s)
- James G. Beeson
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Monash University, Central Clinical School and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Australia
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health and Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Julie A. Simpson
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health and Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Estimated impact on birth weight of scaling up intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy given sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine resistance in Africa: A mathematical model. PLoS Med 2017; 14:e1002243. [PMID: 28245259 PMCID: PMC5330448 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1002243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria transmission has declined substantially in the 21st century, but pregnant women in areas of sustained transmission still require protection to prevent the adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes associated with malaria in pregnancy (MiP). A recent call to action has been issued to address the continuing low coverage of intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy (IPTp). This call has, however, been questioned by some, in part due to concerns about resistance to sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP), the only drug currently recommended for IPTp. METHODS AND FINDINGS Using an existing mathematical model of MiP, we combined estimates of the changing endemicity of malaria across Africa with maps of SP resistance mutations and current coverage of antenatal access and IPTp with SP (IPTp-SP) across Africa. Using estimates of the relationship between SP resistance mutations and the parasitological efficacy of SP during pregnancy, we estimated the varying impact of IPTp-SP across Africa and the incremental value of enhancing IPTp-SP uptake to match current antenatal care (ANC) coverage. The risks of MiP and malaria-attributable low birthweight (mLBW) in unprotected pregnancies (i.e., those not using insecticide-treated nets [ITNs]) leading to live births fell by 37% (33%-41% 95% credible interval [crI]) and 31% (27%-34% 95% crI), respectively, from 2000 to 2015 across endemic areas in sub-Saharan Africa. However, these gains are fragile, and coverage is far from optimal. In 2015, 9.5 million (8.3 million-10.4 million 95% crI) of 30.6 million pregnancies in these areas would still have been infected with Plasmodium falciparum without intervention, leading to 750,000 (390,000-1.1 million 95% crI) mLBW deliveries. In all, 6.6 million (5.6 million-7.3 million 95% crI) of these 9.5 million (69.3%) pregnancies at risk of infection (and 53.4% [16.3 million/30.6 million] of all pregnancies) occurred in settings with near-perfect SP curative efficacy (>99%) based on the most recent estimates of resistance. Forty-four percent of these pregnancies (23% of all pregnancies) were not receiving any IPTp-SP despite making ≥3 ANC visits, representing 160,000 (94,000-236,000 95% crI) preventable low birthweight (LBW) deliveries. Only 4% (1.4 million) of pregnancies occurred in settings with >10% prevalence of the sextuple haplotype associated with compromised SP effectiveness. Forty-two percent of all pregnancies occurred in settings where the quintuple dhfr/dhps haplotype had become established but where in vivo efficacy data suggest SP maintains the majority of its effectiveness in clearing infections. Not accounting for protection from the use of ITNs during pregnancy, expanding IPTp-SP to all women with ≥3 ANC visits in Africa could prevent an additional 215,000 (128,000-318,000 95% crI) LBW deliveries. In 26 countries with sufficient recent data to estimate ITN impact (population-based ITN usage data that can be stratified by gravidity), we estimate that, due primarily to low ITN use by primigravidae, only 16.5% of the potential LBW births prevented by scaling up IPTp-SP would in fact have already have been prevented through ITN use. Our analysis also highlights the difficulties associated with estimating the relationship between the effectiveness of interventions against parasitological endpoints such as placental infection at delivery and health outcomes including birthweight, which is also determined by a wide range of unrelated factors. We also did not capture other aspects of malaria burden such as clinical malaria, maternal and neonatal anaemia, and miscarriage, all of which increase the overall importance of effective preventative strategies but have their own relationship with transmission intensity, parity, and SP resistance. CONCLUSIONS Despite recent declines in malaria transmission in Africa, the burden of MiP in the absence of adequate prevention remains substantial. Even accounting for SP resistance, extending IPTp-SP to all women attending ANC, as well as long-lasting insecticidal net distribution targeted towards first-time mothers, would have a sizeable impact upon maternal and infant health in almost all malaria-endemic settings in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Rogerson SJ, Unger HW. Prevention and control of malaria in pregnancy - new threats, new opportunities? Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2016; 15:361-375. [PMID: 27973923 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2017.1272411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Over 100 million women and their babies are at risk of malaria in pregnancy each year. Malaria prevention in pregnancy relies on long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs), and, in Africa, intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp). Increasing resistance of malaria parasites to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, the only drug endorsed for IPTp, and increasing mosquito resistance to pyrethroids used in LLINs, threaten the efficacy of these proven strategies, while operational challenges restrict their implementation in areas of great need. Areas Covered: This review summarizes strategies for malaria prevention in pregnancy (both currently used and those undergoing preclinical and clinical evaluation), primarily drawing on publications and study protocols from the last decade. Challenges associated with each strategy are discussed, including the particular problem of HIV and malaria in pregnancy, and areas of further research are highlighted. Expert Commentary: Alternative drugs for IPTp are needed. Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine is particularly promising, but requires further evaluation, and might contribute to artemisinin resistance. Intermittent screening and treatment in pregnancy (ISTp) is an alternative to IPTp that could reduce unnecessary antenatal drug exposure and resistance risk, but it is not recommended with current, insensitive screening tests. Optimal strategies for areas of low or declining malaria transmission remain to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Rogerson
- a Department of Medicine at the Doherty Institute , University of Melbourne , Melbourne , Australia
| | - Holger W Unger
- a Department of Medicine at the Doherty Institute , University of Melbourne , Melbourne , Australia.,b Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh , Edinburgh , UK
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Mbonye AK, Mohamud SM, Bagonza J. Perceptions and practices for preventing malaria in pregnancy in a peri-urban setting in south-western Uganda. Malar J 2016; 15:211. [PMID: 27075575 PMCID: PMC4831145 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-016-1246-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2015] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria in pregnancy contributes greatly to maternal morbidity and mortality in Uganda. Thus it is urgent to identify possible barriers that limit access to existing interventions. The aim of this study was to assess perceptions and practices regarding malaria prevention during pregnancy in a peri-urban area and explore ways to scale-up malaria prevention interventions, since little is known about malaria in peri-urban settings. METHODS A survey was conducted in Kabale municipality south-western Uganda from April-June, 2015. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire targeting pregnant women, who delivered in the study area 1 year prior to the survey. Univariate analyses were performed at assess the level of knowledge and practices on malaria prevention during pregnancy. RESULTS A total of 800 women was interviewed. The majority of women, 96.1 % knew that malaria was a dangerous disease in pregnancy; 60.3 % knew that it caused anaemia, and 71.3 % associated malaria with general weakness. However, fewer women (44.9 %) knew that malaria in pregnancy caused abortions, while 14.9 % thought it caused stillbirths. Similarly, few women (19 %) attended the recommend four antenatal care visits; less than a half (48.8 %) accessed two doses of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) for malaria prevention in pregnancy while 16.3 % received at least three doses of SP, as recommended by the current policy. The main reasons for poor antenatal care attendance were: women felt healthy and did not see a need to go for antenatal care, long distances and long waiting hours at clinics. The reasons given for not taking SP for malaria prevention were: women were not feeling sick; they were not aware of the benefits of SP in pregnancy, they were sleeping under insecticide-treated nets; fear of side effects of SP; and the antenatal care clinics were far. CONCLUSION Despite a good knowledge that malaria is a dangerous disease in pregnancy, there was poor access to antenatal care and use of SP for malaria prevention in pregnancy. There is urgent to address existing health system constraints in order to increases access to malaria prevention in pregnancy in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony K Mbonye
- Ministry of Health, Kampala and School of Public Health-College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Box 7272, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Said M Mohamud
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - James Bagonza
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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Mbonye AK, Buregyeya E, Rutebemberwa E, Clarke SE, Lal S, Hansen KS, Magnussen P, LaRussa P. Treatment and prevention of malaria in pregnancy in the private health sector in Uganda: implications for patient safety. Malar J 2016; 15:212. [PMID: 27075477 PMCID: PMC4831190 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-016-1245-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria in pregnancy is a major public health problem in Uganda; and it is the leading cause of anaemia among pregnant women and low birth weight in infants. Previous studies have noted poor quality of care in the private sector. Thus there is need to explore ways of improving quality of care in the private sector that provides almost a half of health services in Uganda. METHODS A survey was conducted from August to October 2014 within 57 parishes in Mukono district, central Uganda. The selected parishes had a minimum of 200 households and at least one registered drug shop, pharmacy or private clinic. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire targeting one provider who was found on duty in each selected private health facility and consented to the study. The main variables were: provider characteristics, previous training received, type of drugs stocked, treatment and prevention practices for malaria among pregnant women. The main study outcome was the proportion of private health facilities who prescribe treatment of fever among pregnant women as recommended in the guidelines. RESULTS A total of 241 private health facilities were surveyed; 70.5 % were registered drug shops, 24.5 % private clinics and 5.0 % pharmacies. Treatment of fever among pregnant women in accordance with the national treatment guidelines was poor: 40.7 % in private clinics, decreasing to 28.2 % in drug shops and 16.7 % at pharmacies. Anti-malarial monotherapies sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine and quinine were commonly prescribed, often without consideration of gestational age. The majority of providers (>75 %) at all private facilities prescribed SP for intermittent preventive treatment but artemisinin-based combination therapy was prescribed: 8.3, 6.9 and 8.3 % respectively at drug shops, private clinics and pharmacies for prevention of malaria in pregnancy. Few facilities had malaria treatment guidelines; (44.1 % of private clinics, 17.9 % of drug shops, and 41.7 % at pharmacies. Knowledge of people at risk of malaria, P = 0.02 and availability of malaria treatment guidelines, P = 0.03 were the factors that most influenced correct treatment of fever in pregnancy. CONCLUSION Treatment of fever during pregnancy was poor in this study setting. These data highlight the need to develop interventions to improve patient safety and quality of care for pregnant women in the private health sector in Uganda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony K Mbonye
- Ministry of Health, Directorate of Clinical and Community Services, Kampala and Department of Community and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health, Makerere University, Box 7272, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Esther Buregyeya
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Elizeus Rutebemberwa
- Department of Health Policy, Planning and Management, School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Siân E Clarke
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Sham Lal
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Kristian S Hansen
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK
| | - Pascal Magnussen
- Institute for International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, Centre for Medical Parasitology and Institute for Veterinary Disease Biology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Philip LaRussa
- College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, USA
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Nosten F, McGready R. Intermittent presumptive treatment in pregnancy with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine: a counter perspective. Malar J 2015; 14:248. [PMID: 26088554 PMCID: PMC4473822 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-015-0765-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Accepted: 06/04/2015] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria continues to cause devastation during pregnancy. Unfortunately, there is still no clear strategy to effectively protect pregnant women and countless mothers living in malaria endemic countries are dying every year. The effective prevention of malaria during pregnancy will take much more than the so-called “Global Call for Action” for an intervention (IPTp-SP) that cannot succeed. A new and truly “global” strategy is urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francois Nosten
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. .,Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand.
| | - Rose McGready
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. .,Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand.
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Agarwal K, Alonso P, Chico RM, Coleman J, Dellicour S, Hill J, Majeres-Lugand M, Mangiaterra V, Menendez C, Mitchell K, Roman E, Sicuri E, Tagbor H, van Eijk AM, Webster J. Global Call to Action to scale-up coverage of intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy: seminar report. Malar J 2015; 14:206. [PMID: 25986152 PMCID: PMC4446906 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-015-0730-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2015] [Accepted: 05/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2014, a global ‘Call to Action’ seminar for the scale-up of intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy was held during the 63rd Annual Meeting of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. This report summarizes the presentations and main discussion points from the meeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koki Agarwal
- Maternal and Child Health Integrated Program, Jhpiego, Baltimore, USA.
| | - Pedro Alonso
- Global Malaria Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - R Matthew Chico
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, London, UK.
| | - Jane Coleman
- Maternal and Child Health Integrated Program, Jhpiego, Baltimore, USA.
| | - Stephanie Dellicour
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, UK.
| | - Jenny Hill
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, UK.
| | - Maud Majeres-Lugand
- Access & Product Management, Medicine for Malaria Venture, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Viviana Mangiaterra
- RMNCH and HSS Technical Advice & Partnerships Department, The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Vernier-Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Clara Menendez
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Centre for International Health Research (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Kate Mitchell
- Maternal Health Task Force, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, USA.
| | - Elaine Roman
- Maternal and Child Health Integrated Program, Jhpiego, Baltimore, USA.
| | - Elisa Sicuri
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Centre for International Health Research (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Harry Tagbor
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Department of Community Health, School of Medical Sciences, Kumasi, Ghana.
| | - Anna Maria van Eijk
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, UK.
| | - Jayne Webster
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, London, UK.
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