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Oyegoke OO, Akoniyon OP, Maharaj L, Adewumi TS, Malgwi SA, Aderoju SA, Fatoba AJ, Adeleke MA, Maharaj R, Okpeku M. Molecular detection of sub-microscopic infections and Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich protein-2 and 3 gene deletions in pre-elimination settings of South Africa. Sci Rep 2024; 14:16024. [PMID: 38992085 PMCID: PMC11239831 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60007-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
South Africa's efforts toward eliminating malaria have positioned the country in the pre-elimination stage. Imported and sub-microscopic cases still contribute to the persistence of malaria in regions of low transmission as identified in this study where diagnostics is built largely on the use of Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT). However, the presence of Pfhrp2/3 gene deletion is known to interfere with the accuracy of diagnosis with the use of RDT. Malaria elimination and detection of Pfhrp2/3 gene deletion in the pre-elimination setting requires accurate molecular surveillance. With the core objective of this study being the determination of the presence sub-microscopic malaria cases and deleted Pfhrp2/3 gene markers, a total of 354 samples were collected from five districts of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. These samples were prepared for molecular analysis using primers and PCR conditions specific for amplification of 18S rRNA and msp-1gene. Positive amplicons were analysed for the presence of Pfhrp2/3 and flanking genes, along with Sanger sequencing and phylogenetic studies. Out of 354 samples collected 339 were tested negative with PfHRP2 based RDTs. Of these Pfhrp2 and Pfhrp3 gene deletions were confirmed in 94.7% (18/19) and 100% (19/19) respectively. High migration rate (75%) among the study participants was noted and phylogenetic analysis of sequenced isolates showed close evolutionary relatedness with India, United Kingdom, Iran, and Myanmar and China isolates. Molecular-based test is recommended as an essential surveillance tool for malaria management programs as the target focuses on elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olukunle O Oyegoke
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Olusegun P Akoniyon
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Leah Maharaj
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Taiye S Adewumi
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, 66046, USA
| | - Samson A Malgwi
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Samuel A Aderoju
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Kwara State University, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Abiodun J Fatoba
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Bioinformatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Centre, Memphis, TN, 38016, USA
| | - Matthew A Adeleke
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Rajendra Maharaj
- Malaria Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa
| | - Moses Okpeku
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
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Li J, Docile HJ, Fisher D, Pronyuk K, Zhao L. Current Status of Malaria Control and Elimination in Africa: Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Treatment, Progress and Challenges. J Epidemiol Glob Health 2024:10.1007/s44197-024-00228-2. [PMID: 38656731 DOI: 10.1007/s44197-024-00228-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The African continent carries the greatest malaria burden in the world. Falciparum malaria especially has long been the leading cause of death in Africa. Climate, economic factors, geographical location, human intervention and unstable security are factors influencing malaria transmission. Due to repeated infections and early interventions, the proportion of clinically atypical malaria or asymptomatic plasmodium carriers has increased significantly, which easily lead to misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis. African countries have made certain progress in malaria control and elimination, including rapid diagnosis of malaria, promotion of mosquito nets and insecticides, intermittent prophylactic treatment in high-risk groups, artemisinin based combination therapies, and the development of vaccines. Between 2000 and 2022, there has been a 40% decrease in malaria incidence and a 60% reduction in mortality rate in the WHO African Region. However, many challenges are emerging in the fight against malaria in Africa, such as climate change, poverty, substandard health services and coverage, increased outdoor transmission and the emergence of new vectors, and the growing threat of resistance to antimalarial drugs and insecticides. Joint prevention and treatment, identifying molecular determinants of resistance, new drug development, expanding seasonal malaria chemo-prevention intervention population, and promoting the vaccination of RTS, S/AS01 and R21/Matrix-M may help to solve the dilemma. China's experience in eliminating malaria is conducive to Africa's malaria prevention and control, and China-Africa cooperation needs to be constantly deepened and advanced. Our review aims to help the global public develop a comprehensive understanding of malaria in Africa, thereby contributing to malaria control and elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahuan Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Haragakiza Jean Docile
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - David Fisher
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of The Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Khrystyna Pronyuk
- Department of Infectious Diseases, O. Bogomolets National Medical University, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Lei Zhao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China.
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Pattanshetty S, Dsouza VS, Shekharappa A, Yagantigari M, Raj R, Inamdar A, Alsamara I, Rajvanshi H, Brand H. A Scoping Review on Malaria Prevention and Control Intervention in Fragile and Conflict-Affected States (FCAS): A Need for Renewed Focus to Enhance International Cooperation. J Epidemiol Glob Health 2024; 14:4-12. [PMID: 38224386 PMCID: PMC11043240 DOI: 10.1007/s44197-023-00180-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Malaria is a major public health problem in developing countries. The burden of malaria in fragile and conflict-affected states (FCAS) is increasing year by year. Moreover, the population living in FCAS is often the most vulnerable and at high risk of malaria due to factors, such as deteriorating healthcare system, mass relocations, and reduced resilience to shocks. Therefore, this scoping review aims to map the interventions that are conducted at the FCAS on malaria prevention among the general population. In addition, this review can help policy-makers and international health bodies, providing a comprehensive overview that can lead to more targeted, effective, and context-specific interventions. Databases, such as PubMed, EBSCO-CINAHL, Web of Science, ProQuest, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, were searched using specified search terms. A total of 3601 studies were retrieved from the search. After screening, 62 studies were included in the synthesis that met the eligibility criteria. Narrative analysis of the findings was done. The results revealed that in fragile countries, interventions for children below 5 years of age included IPTi, TDA, and ACT. In conflicted countries, interventions for children below 5 years of age included TDA, LLINs, SMC, drug trials, and vaccination. Similar interventions were reported for other age groups and populations. Despite ongoing conflicts, malaria interventions have been maintained in these countries, but a persistent high burden of malaria remains. To achieve the goals of malaria elimination, the results of the review highlight the need for continued research and evaluation of malaria control interventions to assess their effectiveness and impact. Strengthening health systems, building partnerships, utilizing digital health technologies, and conducting context-specific research are recommended to improve healthcare access and reduce the burden of malaria in FCAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay Pattanshetty
- Department of Global Health Governance, Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
- Centre for Health Diplomacy, Department of Global Health Governance, Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
- Department of International Health, Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences, Care and Public Health Research Institute-CAPHRI, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Viola Savy Dsouza
- Centre for Regulatory Science, Department of Health Information, Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India.
| | - Anupama Shekharappa
- Department of Global Health Governance, Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | | | - Rohit Raj
- Department of Community Medicine, Manipal Tata Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Jamshedpur, India
| | - Aniruddha Inamdar
- Centre for Health Diplomacy, Department of Global Health Governance, Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Issam Alsamara
- Department of International Health, Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences, Care and Public Health Research Institute-CAPHRI, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Helmut Brand
- Department of International Health, Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences, Care and Public Health Research Institute-CAPHRI, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Health Policy, Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
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Chang W, Cohen J, Wang DQ, Abdulla S, Mahende MK, Gavana T, Scott V, Msuya HM, Mwanyika-Sando M, Njau RJA, Lu SN, Temu S, Masanja H, Anthony W, Aregawi W M, Sunder N, Kun T, Bruxvoort K, Kitau J, Kihwele F, Chila G, Michael M, Castro M, Menzies NA, Kim S, Ning X, Zhou XN, Chaki P, Mlacha YP. Impact of 1,7-malaria reactive community-based testing and response (1,7-mRCTR) approach on malaria prevalence in Tanzania. Infect Dis Poverty 2023; 12:116. [PMID: 38105258 PMCID: PMC10726614 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-023-01166-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Progress in malaria control has stalled in recent years and innovative surveillance and response approaches are needed to accelerate malaria control and elimination efforts in endemic areas of Africa. Building on a previous China-UK-Tanzania pilot study on malaria control, this study aimed to assess the impact of the 1,7-malaria Reactive Community-Based Testing and Response (1,7-mRCTR) approach implemented over two years in three districts of Tanzania. METHODS The 1,7-mRCTR approach provides community-based malaria testing via rapid diagnostic tests and treatment in villages with the highest burden of malaria incidence based on surveillance data from health facilities. We used a difference-in-differences quasi-experimental design with linear probability models and two waves of cross-sectional household surveys to assess the impact of 1,7-mRCTR on malaria prevalence. We conducted sensitivity analyses to assess the robustness of our results, examined how intervention effects varied in subgroups, and explored alternative explanations for the observed results. RESULTS Between October 2019 and September 2021, 244,771 community-based malaria rapid tests were completed in intervention areas, and each intervention village received an average of 3.85 rounds of 1-7mRCTR. Malaria prevalence declined from 27.4% at baseline to 11.7% at endline in the intervention areas and from 26.0% to 16.0% in the control areas. 1,7-mRCTR was associated with a 4.5-percentage-point decrease in malaria prevalence (95% confidence interval: - 0.067, - 0.023), equivalent to a 17% reduction from the baseline. In Rufiji, a district characterized by lower prevalence and where larviciding was additionally provided, 1,7-mRCTR was associated with a 63.9% decline in malaria prevalence. CONCLUSIONS The 1,7-mRCTR approach reduced malaria prevalence. Despite implementation interruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain challenges, the study provided novel evidence on the effectiveness of community-based reactive approaches in moderate- to high-endemicity areas and demonstrated the potential of South-South cooperation in tackling global health challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Chang
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jessica Cohen
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Duo-Quan Wang
- Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China
| | - Salim Abdulla
- Ifakara Health Institute, #5 Ifakara Street, Plot 463 Mikocheni, P.O. Box 78 373, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Muhidin Kassim Mahende
- Ifakara Health Institute, #5 Ifakara Street, Plot 463 Mikocheni, P.O. Box 78 373, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Tegemeo Gavana
- Ifakara Health Institute, #5 Ifakara Street, Plot 463 Mikocheni, P.O. Box 78 373, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Valerie Scott
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hajirani M Msuya
- Ifakara Health Institute, #5 Ifakara Street, Plot 463 Mikocheni, P.O. Box 78 373, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | | | - Ritha John A Njau
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Shen-Ning Lu
- Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China
| | - Silas Temu
- Ifakara Health Institute, #5 Ifakara Street, Plot 463 Mikocheni, P.O. Box 78 373, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Honorati Masanja
- Ifakara Health Institute, #5 Ifakara Street, Plot 463 Mikocheni, P.O. Box 78 373, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | | | - Maru Aregawi W
- Global Malaria Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Tang Kun
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Katia Bruxvoort
- School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Jovin Kitau
- Global Malaria Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Fadhila Kihwele
- Ifakara Health Institute, #5 Ifakara Street, Plot 463 Mikocheni, P.O. Box 78 373, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Godlove Chila
- Ifakara Health Institute, #5 Ifakara Street, Plot 463 Mikocheni, P.O. Box 78 373, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Mihayo Michael
- Ifakara Health Institute, #5 Ifakara Street, Plot 463 Mikocheni, P.O. Box 78 373, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Marcia Castro
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nicolas A Menzies
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sein Kim
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xiao Ning
- Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Nong Zhou
- Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China
| | - Prosper Chaki
- Ifakara Health Institute, #5 Ifakara Street, Plot 463 Mikocheni, P.O. Box 78 373, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
- The Pan-African Mosquito Control Association (PAMCA), KEMRI Headquarters, Mbagathi Road, Nairobi, 54840-00200, Kenya
| | - Yeromin P Mlacha
- Ifakara Health Institute, #5 Ifakara Street, Plot 463 Mikocheni, P.O. Box 78 373, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania.
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Wu D, Zhu H, Wan L, Zhang J, Lin W, Sun L, Zhang H, Liu S, Cleary E, Tatem AJ, Xia J, Lai S. Imported and indigenous Plasmodium Vivax and Plasmodium Falciparum malaria in the Hubei Province of China, 2005-2019. Malar J 2023; 22:334. [PMID: 37932775 PMCID: PMC10629024 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04752-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Hubei Province in China reported its last indigenous malaria case in September 2012, but imported malaria cases, particularly those related to Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum, threaten Hubei's malaria-free status. This study investigated the epidemiological changes in P. vivax and P. falciparum malaria in this province to provide scientific evidence for preventing malaria resurgence. METHODS The prevalence, demographic characteristics, seasonal features, and geographical distribution of malaria were assessed using surveillance data and were compared across three stages: control stage (2005-2009) and elimination stages I (2010-2014) and II (2015-2019). RESULTS In 2005-2019, 8483 malaria cases were reported, including 5599 indigenous P. vivax cases, 275 imported P. vivax cases, 866 imported P. falciparum cases, and 1743 other cases. Imported P. falciparum cases accounted for 0.07% of all cases reported in 2005, but increased to 78.81% in 2019. Most imported P. vivax and P. falciparum malaria occurred among males, aged 21-60 years, during elimination stages I and II. The number of regions affected by imported P. falciparum and P. vivax increased markedly in Hubei from the control stage to elimination stage II. Overall, 1125 imported P. vivax and P. falciparum cases were detected from 47 other nations. Eight imported cases were detected from other provinces in China. From the control stage to elimination stage II, the number of cases of malaria imported from African countries increased, and that of cases imported from Southeast Asian countries decreased. CONCLUSIONS Although Hubei has achieved malaria elimination, it faces challenges in maintaining this status. Hence, imported malaria surveillance need to be strengthened to reduce the risk of malaria re-introduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongni Wu
- Institute of Parasitic Disease Control, Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Hong Zhu
- Institute of Parasitic Disease Control, Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Lun Wan
- Institute of Parasitic Disease Control, Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Juan Zhang
- Institute of Parasitic Disease Control, Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Wen Lin
- Institute of Parasitic Disease Control, Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Lingcong Sun
- Institute of Parasitic Disease Control, Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Huaxun Zhang
- Institute of Parasitic Disease Control, Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Si Liu
- Institute of Parasitic Disease Control, Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Eimear Cleary
- WorldPop, School of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Andrew J Tatem
- WorldPop, School of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Jing Xia
- Institute of Parasitic Disease Control, Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan, 430079, China.
| | - Shengjie Lai
- WorldPop, School of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK.
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Sun Z, Zhou H, Chen F, Lu S, Liang H, Wan E, Tao Z, Zhao H, Zhou X, Yang F, Wang D, Zhang X. Understanding the China-Tanzania Malaria Control Project: lessons learned from a multi-stakeholder qualitative study. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1229675. [PMID: 37808986 PMCID: PMC10552642 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1229675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Tanzania is among the countries with the highest malaria cases and deaths worldwide, where vulnerable populations have been severely affected due to poverty and weakness in health system and infrastructure. The China-Tanzania Malaria Control Project (the Project) was a two-phase global health intervention project implemented between 2015 and 2021 that aimed to transfer project-designated intervention experience in malaria elimination to the Tanzanian health system. This study aims to identify the barriers and facilitators encountered during the Project and to improve our understanding of the emerging phenomenon of South-South global health collaboration. Methods We conducted thematic analysis of qualitative data collected from a purposive sample of 14 participants from multiple stakeholders including project management office, project implementation agency, funding partners and external evaluators of the Project. A conceptual framework was developed to construct the interviews guides. The interviews were transcribed verbatim, crossover checked, translated into English, and analyzed with NVivo 12.0. We conducted the open coding followed by the axial coding based on the Grounded Theory to generate themes and subthemes, and identified key influencing factors that aided or hindered the malaria control in Tanzania. Results The findings suggested that malaria control strategies should largely be tailored due to varied socioeconomic contexts. The perceived enablers in practice include project-designated intervention experiences and technologies, professional and self-learning capabilities of the implementation team, sustainable financial assistance, and support from the international partners. The barriers include the shortage of global health talents, existing gaps to meet international standards, defects in internal communication mechanisms, inadequacy of intergovernmental dialogue, and limitations in logistical arrangements. A checklist and policy implications for China's future engagement in malaria control in resource-limited settings have been proposed. Conclusions The initiative of Health Silk Road has generated strong global interest in promoting development assistance in health. In the hope of generalizing the evidence-based interventions to high malaria-endemic countries in Africa, the need for China to carefully face the challenges of funding gaps and the lack of support from recipient governments remains ongoing. It is recommended that China should form an institutionalized scheme and sustainable funding pool to ensure the steady progress of development assistance in health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhishan Sun
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of One Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Zhou
- School of International and Public Affairs, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fumin Chen
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of One Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shenning Lu
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases at Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Huan Liang
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Erya Wan
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of One Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zecheng Tao
- School of International and Public Affairs, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hanqing Zhao
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of One Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaonong Zhou
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of One Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases at Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Institute of Population Research, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Duoquan Wang
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases at Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoxi Zhang
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of One Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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7
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Gao L, Xu J. Public health engagement: new opportunities and challenges in 60 years of China's health aid to Africa. BMJ Glob Health 2023; 8:e012302. [PMID: 37652567 PMCID: PMC10476114 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-012302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Along with China's active engagement in global affairs over the past decade, China's public health engagement (CPHE) has become an essential element of China's 60th anniversary of health aid and cooperation with Africa. Through analysis, we found that CPHE in Africa reflects a new shift in the content and form of China's foreign health aid. Compared with China's medical teams which only involve bilateral cooperation, CPHE has a number of substantive characteristics, mainly including the construction of public health infrastructure, malaria control, participation in public health emergencies and the provision of global public goods. This complexity necessitates that CPHE be implemented in a different form from China's medical teams, by adopting inclusive multiparty cooperation involving African and international partners. However, CPHE in Africa still faces a number of challenges in its practices. In particular, these challenges arise from the cross-cultural practice process, the African sociocultural context, the experience of public health and its participants. While the reasons for these challenges are diverse, this study argues that the main reason is the lack of multidisciplinary engagement in the Africanisation of the Chinese experience that corresponds to cross-cultural practice. On the Chinese side, a systematic strategy is needed to critically refine these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangmin Gao
- Institute for International and Area Studies, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Junfang Xu
- School of Public Health, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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Balikuddembe JK, Reinhardt JD, Zeng W, Tola H, Di B. Public health priorities for Sino-Africa cooperation in Eastern Africa in context of flooding and malaria burden in Children: a tridecadal retrospective analysis. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1331. [PMID: 37434112 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16220-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria remains a major public health burden to children under five, especially in Eastern Africa (E.A), -a region that is also witnessing the increasing occurrence of floods and extreme climate change. The present study, therefore, explored the trends in floods, as well as the association of their occurrence and duration with the malaria incidence in children < 5 years in five E.A partner countries of Forum for China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), including Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, and Tanzania between 1990 and 2019. METHODS A retrospective analysis of data retrieved from two global sources was performed: the Emergency Events Database (EM-DAT) and the Global Burden of Diseases Study (GBD) between 1990 and 2019. Using SPSS 20.0, a correlation was determined based on ρ= -1 to + 1, as well as the statistical significance of P = < 0.05. Time plots of trends in flooding and malaria incidence were generated in 3 different decades using R version 4.0. RESULTS Between 1990 and 2019, the occurrence and duration of floods among the five E.A partner countries of FOCAC increased and showed an upward trend. On the contrary, however, this had an inverse and negative, as well as a weak correlation on the malaria incidence in children under five years. Only Kenya, among the five countries, showed a perfect negative correction of malaria incidence in children under five with flood occurrence (ρ = -0.586**, P-value = 0.001) and duration (ρ = -0.657**, P-value = < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the need for further research to comprehensively explore how different climate extreme events, which oftentimes complement floods, might be influencing the risk of malaria in children under five in five E.A malaria-endemic partner countries of FOCAC. Similarly, it ought to consider investigating the influence of other attributes apart from flood occurrence and duration, which also compound floods like displacement, malnutrition, and water, sanitation and hygiene on the risk and distribution of malaria and other climate-sensitive diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Kimuli Balikuddembe
- Institute for Disaster Management and Reconstruction, Sichuan University and Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
- East African Center for Disaster Health and Humanitarian Research, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Jan D Reinhardt
- Institute for Disaster Management and Reconstruction, Sichuan University and Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Swiss Paraplegic Research, Nottwi, Switzerland
- Department of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center, The first Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wen Zeng
- Institute for Disaster Management and Reconstruction, Sichuan University and Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Habteyes Tola
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Salale University, Fiche, Ethiopia
| | - Baofeng Di
- Institute for Disaster Management and Reconstruction, Sichuan University and Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Center for Archaeological Science, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Dolan CB, Malik AA, Zhang S, Mao W, McDade KK, Svoboda E, Odhiambo JN. Chinese health funding in Africa: The untold story. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001637. [PMID: 37379293 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
The motivations behind China's allocation of health aid to Africa remain complex due to limited information on the details of health aid project activities. Insufficient knowledge about the purpose of China's health aid hinders our understanding of China's comprehensive role in supporting Africa's healthcare system. To address this gap, our study aimed to gain better insights into China's health aid priorities and the factors driving these priorities across Africa. To achieve this, we utilized AidData's Chinese Official Finance Dataset and adhered to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guidelines. We reclassified all 1,026 health projects in Africa, originally categorized under broad 3-digit OECD-DAC sector codes, into more specific 5-digit CRS codes. By analyzing the project count and financial value, we assessed the shifting priorities over time. Our analysis revealed that China's priorities in health aid have evolved between 2000 and 2017. In the early 2000s, China primarily allocated aid to basic health personnel and lacked diversity in sub-sectors. However, after 2004, China shifted its focus more toward basic infrastructure and reduced emphasis on clinical-level staff. Furthermore, China's interest in addressing malaria expanded both in scale and depth between 2006 and 2009. This trend continued in 2012 and 2014 when China responded to the Ebola outbreak by shifting its focus from basic infrastructure to infectious diseases. In summary, our findings demonstrate the changes in China's health aid strategy, starting with addressing diseases already eliminated in China and gradually transitioning towards global health security, health system strengthening, and shaping the governance mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie B Dolan
- Department of Health Sciences, William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, United States of America
- Ignite Global Health Research Lab, William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, United States of America
- Global Research Institute, William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Ammar A Malik
- Global Research Institute, William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, United States of America
- AidData, William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Sheng Zhang
- Global Research Institute, William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, United States of America
- AidData, William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Wenhui Mao
- Center for Policy Impact in Global Health, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Kaci Kennedy McDade
- Center for Policy Impact in Global Health, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Eli Svoboda
- Ignite Global Health Research Lab, William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Julius N Odhiambo
- Ignite Global Health Research Lab, William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, United States of America
- Global Research Institute, William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, United States of America
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Feng J, Zhang L, Xia Z, Zhou S, Xiao N, Zhou XN. Achievements of the national malaria control and elimination program in the People's Republic of China: the Atlas of Malaria Transmission in China. Front Med 2022; 17:85-92. [PMID: 36469233 PMCID: PMC9734496 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-021-0917-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In 2017, China achieved the target of zero indigenous malaria case for the first time, and has been certified as malaria free by World Health Organization in 2021. To further summarize the historical achievements and technical experiences of the elimination program, a project on the Roadmap Analysis and Verification for Malaria Elimination in China was carried out. Results of the project were compiled and published as the Atlas of Malaria Transmission in China (The Atlas). The Atlas using modern digital information technologies, has been supported by various data from 24 malaria endemic provinces of China since 1950, to assess the changes in malaria epidemic patterns from 1950 to 2019 at national and provincial levels. The Atlas is designed as two volumes, including a total of 1850 thematic maps and more than 130 charts, consisting of introductory maps, thematic maps of malaria epidemic and control at national and provincial levels. It objectively and directly shows the epidemic history, evolution process, and great achievements of the national malaria control and elimination program in China. The Atlas has important reference value for summing up historical experience in the national malaria elimination program of China, and malaria control and elimination in other endemic countries in the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Feng
- grid.508378.1National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research); NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology; WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025 China ,grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025 China
| | - Li Zhang
- grid.508378.1National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research); NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology; WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025 China
| | - Zhigui Xia
- grid.508378.1National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research); NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology; WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025 China
| | - Shuisen Zhou
- grid.508378.1National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research); NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology; WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025 China
| | - Ning Xiao
- grid.508378.1National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research); NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology; WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025 China ,grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025 China
| | - Xiao-Nong Zhou
- grid.508378.1National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research); NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology; WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025 China ,grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025 China
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