1
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kojom Foko LP, Moun A, Singh V. Addressing low-density malaria infections in India and other endemic part of the world-the opportune time? Crit Rev Microbiol 2024:1-17. [PMID: 38632931 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2024.2339267] [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: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Shifting from high- to low-malaria transmission accompanies a higher proportion of asymptomatic low-density malaria infections (LDMI). Currently, several endemic countries, such as India, are experiencing this shift as it is striving to eliminate malaria. LDMI is a complex concept for which there are several important questions yet unanswered on its natural history, infectiousness, epidemiology, and pathological and clinical impact. India is on the right path to eliminating malaria, but it is facing the LDMI problem. A brief discussion on the concept and definitions of LDMI is beforehand presented. Also, an exhaustive review and critical analysis of the existing literature on LDMI in malaria-endemic areas, including India, are included in this review. Finally, we opine that addressing LDMI in India is ethically and pragmatically achievable, and a pool of sine qua non conditions is required to efficiently and sustainably eliminate malaria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Loick P Kojom Foko
- Parasite and Host Biology Group, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, New Delhi, India
| | - Amit Moun
- Parasite and Host Biology Group, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, New Delhi, India
| | - Vineeta Singh
- Parasite and Host Biology Group, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, New Delhi, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Rahi M, Nazmeen A, Yadav CP, Sirohi PR, Gupta S, Bhati G, Baharia R, Goel P, Sharma A. Prevalence and Correlates of Malnutrition in Nuh District, Haryana State, India. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2024; 110:588-595. [PMID: 38350138 PMCID: PMC10919177 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
India has a substantial burden of undernutrition coupled with overweight and obesity at the other end of the spectrum of malnutrition. Nuh district, in the Haryana State in northern India, is an impoverished district in India. With an aim to investigate the problem of malnutrition in the community, a cross-sectional study was conducted in four villages of the Nuh district. Height/length, weight, and age data of children under 5 years were used to calculate three indices: weight-for-age, height-for-age, and weight-for-height. The body mass index was calculated for individuals older than 6 years. Associations between malnutrition and other factors were assessed using simple and multiple logistic regression to get adjusted coefficients. The total surveyed population comprised 11,496 individuals. Over 51% were female, and 13.2% of the surveyed population were children under 5 years. Almost half of the population was illiterate and unemployed. The prevalences of underweight, stunting, and wasting in children under 5 years were 37%, 53%, and 21%, respectively. The prevalences of underweight and stunting in the 6- to 19-year-old age group were 29% and 38%, respectively. The prevalence of overweight was 36% in the 20- to 40-year-old and > 60-year-old age groups, and 44% in the 41- to 60-year-old age group. Our findings reveal a considerable burden of undernutrition among children under 5 years and a dual burden of undernutrition and overnutrition in adults, highlighting the need to map these areas and sharpen our responses to mitigate the overwhelming and long-term consequences of malnutrition in the Nuh district.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manju Rahi
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
- ICMR-Vector Control Research Centre, Puducherry, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Aarifa Nazmeen
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Chander Prakash Yadav
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
- National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | | | - Sanjeev Gupta
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Gaurav Bhati
- Shaheed Hasan Khan Mewati Government Medical College, Nuh, Haryana, India
| | | | - Pawan Goel
- Shaheed Hasan Khan Mewati Government Medical College, Nuh, Haryana, India
| | - Amit Sharma
- International Centre of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Verma K, Chaturvedi R, Lahariya AK, Verma AK, Schneider KA, Anvikar AR, Bharti PK. Repurposing FDA-approved drugs to target malaria through inhibition of dihydrofolate reductase in the folate biosynthesis pathway: A prospective approach. J Cell Biochem 2024; 125:e30533. [PMID: 38345373 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30533] [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: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) is a ubiquitous enzyme that regulates the biosynthesis of tetrahydrofolate among various species of Plasmodium parasite. It is a validated target of the antifolate drug pyrimethamine (Pyr) in Plasmodium falciparum (Pf), but its clinical efficacy has been hampered due to the emergence of drug resistance. This has made the attempt to screen Food & Drug Administration-approved drugs against wild- and mutant PfDHFR by employing an in-silico pipeline to identify potent candidates. The current study has followed a virtual screening approach for identifying potential DHFR inhibitors from DrugBank database, based on a structure similarity search of candidates, followed by absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion estimation. The screened drugs were subjected to various parameters like docking, molecular mechanics with generalized born and surface area solvation calculations, and molecular simulations. We have thus identified two potential drug candidates, duloxetine and guanethidine, which can be repurposed to be tested for their efficacy against wild type and drug resistant falciparum malaria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kanika Verma
- Department of Molecular Epidemiology, National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Rini Chaturvedi
- Structural Parasitology Lab, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Ayush K Lahariya
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, ICMR-National Institute of Research in Tribal Health, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Anil K Verma
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, ICMR-National Institute of Research in Tribal Health, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Kristan A Schneider
- Department Applied Computer and Bio-Sciences, University of Applied Sciences, Mittweida, Germany
| | - Anup R Anvikar
- Department of Molecular Epidemiology, National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Praveen K Bharti
- Department of Molecular Epidemiology, National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kumar A, Singh PP, Tyagi S, Hari Kishan Raju K, Sahu SS, Rahi M. Vivax malaria: a possible stumbling block for malaria elimination in India. Front Public Health 2024; 11:1228217. [PMID: 38259757 PMCID: PMC10801037 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1228217] [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: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium vivax is geographically the most widely dispersed human malaria parasite species. It has shown resilience and a great deal of adaptability. Genomic studies suggest that P. vivax originated from Asia or Africa and moved to the rest of the world. Although P. vivax is evolutionarily an older species than Plasmodium falciparum, its biology, transmission, pathology, and control still require better elucidation. P. vivax poses problems for malaria elimination because of the ability of a single primary infection to produce multiple relapses over months and years. P. vivax malaria elimination program needs early diagnosis, and prompt and complete radical treatment, which is challenging, to simultaneously exterminate the circulating parasites and dormant hypnozoites lodged in the hepatocytes of the host liver. As prompt surveillance and effective treatments are rolled out, preventing primaquine toxicity in the patients having glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency should be a priority for the vivax elimination program. This review sheds light on the burden of P. vivax, changing epidemiological patterns, the hurdles in elimination efforts, and the essential tools needed not just in India but globally. These tools encompass innovative treatments for eliminating dormant parasites, coping with evolving drug resistance, and the development of potential vaccines against the parasite.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashwani Kumar
- ICMR - Vector Control Research Centre, Puducherry, India
| | | | - Suchi Tyagi
- ICMR - Vector Control Research Centre, Puducherry, India
| | | | | | - Manju Rahi
- ICMR - Vector Control Research Centre, Puducherry, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research, Hqrs New Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Yadav CP, Hussain SSA, Gupta S, Bharti PK, Rahi M, Sharma A. Tracking district-level performance in the context of achieving zero indigenous case status by 2027. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001292. [PMID: 36962890 PMCID: PMC10021673 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
India has committed to zero indigenous malaria cases by 2027 and elimination by 2030. Of 28 states and 8 union territories of India, eleven states were targeted to reach the elimination phase by 2020. However, state-level epidemiology indicates that several states of India may not be on the optimum track, and few goals set in National Framework for Malaria Elimination (NFME) for 2020 remain to be addressed. Therefore, tracking the current progress of malaria elimination in India at the district level, and identifying districts that are off track is important in understanding possible shortfalls to malaria elimination. Annual malaria case data from 2017-20 of 686 districts of India were obtained from the National Center for Vector-Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC) and analysed to evaluate the performance of districts to achieve zero case status by 2027. A district's performance was evaluated by calculating the annual percentage change in the total number of malaria cases for the years 2018, 2019 and 2020 considering the previous year as a base year. The mean, median and maximum of these annual changes were then used to project the number of malaria cases in 2027. Based on these, districts were classified into four groups: 1) districts that are expected to reach zero case status by 2027, 2) districts that would achieve zero case status between 2028 and 2030, 3) districts that would arrive at zero case status after 2030, and 4) districts where malaria cases are on the rise. Analysis suggest, a cohort of fifteen districts require urgent modification or improvement in their malaria control strategies by identifying foci of infection and customizing interventions. They may also require new interventional tools that are being developed recently so that malaria case reduction over the years may be increased.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chander Prakash Yadav
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, UP, India
- ICMR-National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research, Noida, UP, India
| | - Syed Shah Areeb Hussain
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, UP, India
| | - Sanjeev Gupta
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Praveen K. Bharti
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, UP, India
| | - Manju Rahi
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, UP, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Amit Sharma
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, UP, India
- Molecular Medicine Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Abad P, Marín-García P, Heras M, Fobil JN, Hutchful AG, Diez A, Puyet A, Reyes-Palomares A, Azcárate IG, Bautista JM. Microscopic and submicroscopic infection by Plasmodium falciparum: Immunoglobulin M and A profiles as markers of intensity and exposure. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:934321. [PMID: 36118030 PMCID: PMC9478039 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.934321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Assessment of serological Plasmodium falciparum–specific antibodies in highly endemic areas provides valuable information about malaria status and parasite exposure in the population. Although serological evidence of Plasmodium exposure is commonly determined by Plasmodium-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels; IgM and IgA are likely markers of malaria status that remain relatively unexplored. Previous studies on IgM and IgA responses have been based on their affinity for single antigens with shortage of immune responses analysis against the whole Plasmodium proteome. Here, we provide evidence of how P. falciparum infection triggers the production of specific IgM and IgA in plasma and its relationship with parasite density and changes in hematological parameters. A total of 201 individuals attending a hospital in Breman Asikuma, Ghana, were recruited into this study. Total and P. falciparum–specific IgM, IgA, and IgG were assessed by ELISA and examined in relation to age (0–5, 14–49, and ≥50 age ranges); infection (submicroscopic vs. microscopic malaria); pregnancy and hematological parameters. Well-known IgG response was used as baseline control. P. falciparum–specific IgM and IgA levels increased in the population with the age, similarly to IgG. These data confirm that acquired humoral immunity develops by repeated infections through the years endorsing IgM and IgA as exposure markers in endemic malaria regions. High levels of specific IgA and IgM in children were associated with microscopic malaria and worse prognosis, because most of them showed severe anemia. This new finding shows that IgM and IgA may be used as diagnostic markers in this age group. We also found an extremely high prevalence of submicroscopic malaria (46.27% on average) accompanied by IgM and IgA levels indistinguishable from those of uninfected individuals. These data, together with the observed lack of sensitivity of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) compared to PCR, invoke the urgent need to implement diagnostic markers for submicroscopic malaria. Overall, this study opens the potential use of P. falciparum–specific IgM and IgA as new serological markers to predict malaria status in children and parasite exposure in endemic populations. The difficulties in finding markers of submicroscopic malaria are highlighted, emphasizing the need to explore this field in depth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paloma Abad
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre (Imas12), Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Marcos Heras
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre (Imas12), Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Julius N. Fobil
- Department of Biological, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Alfred G. Hutchful
- Laboratory of Hematology and Infectious Diseases, Our Lady of Grace Hospital, Breman-Asikuma, Ghana
| | - Amalia Diez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre (Imas12), Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Puyet
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre (Imas12), Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Armando Reyes-Palomares
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre (Imas12), Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel G. Azcárate
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Rey Juan Carlos University, Alcorcón, Spain
- *Correspondence: Isabel G. Azcárate, ; José M. Bautista,
| | - José M. Bautista
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre (Imas12), Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- *Correspondence: Isabel G. Azcárate, ; José M. Bautista,
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Rahi M, Sharma A. Malaria control initiatives that have the potential to be gamechangers in India's quest for malaria elimination. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. SOUTHEAST ASIA 2022; 2:100009. [PMID: 37383297 PMCID: PMC10306036 DOI: 10.1016/j.lansea.2022.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Malaria continues to have devastating effect on people's lives especially in developing countries. India is slated for malaria elimination by 2030. Though India has sustained a decline in malaria burden at the national level the epidemiological picture remains heterogenous. India's road to malaria elimination plan is riddled with many roadblocks. Major challenges include insufficient surveillance, slow and aggregated data reporting especially in exigent situations like cross-border areas and vulnerable high-risk groups. More than half of total malaria cases were due to Plasmodium vivax (P. vivax) in India as reported by national malaria control programme in 2019. This translates into substantial burden of P. vivax malaria in absolute numbers. P. vivax malaria, which is difficult to resolve as compared to other species, poses a threat to India's elimination plans by virtue of its tendency to develop hypnozoites, due to poor compliance to primaquine (PQ), due to host factors like G 6 PD deficiency and other genes that affect PQ metabolism. Also, India's malaria endemic areas largely coincide geographically with tribal regions which are poor in healthcare infrastructure. The tribal population disproportionately bears a huge burden of malaria. They also harbour more G6PD deficient individuals than non-tribal regions. Therefore, in addition to inadequate diagnostic facilities (for both malaria and G6PD testing) these remote rural and tribal communities suffer from lack of timely treatment, incomplete radical treatment due to poor compliance and thus repeated episodes of P. vivax due to relapses and/or reinfections. Another challenge is that the the current diagnostic tools in the national programme in India and other countries are mostly available only via the programme and are able to detect patent infections on the whole. These therefore miss low-density infections which are another major limitation for their use in malaria endemic countries. Drug and insecticide resistance need to be constantly monitored as they have direct impact on the efficacy of the current tools. Need for better vector control products for the diverse entomological requirements is also felt. India is the second most populous country in the world with majority of its population at risk of malaria. Despite many agencies (government and non-government) working in the field of malaria, there needs to be more synergy at the local or central level for malaria control. Here, we have proposed solutions for specific facets of the malaria programme. Surveillance, data visualization and analysis can all be supported through over the counter availability of rapid diagnostics, adoption of molecular tools like PCR (requiring additional infrastructure and expertise), mobile applications for data capture and use of malaria data dashboard. Management could be augmented by inclusion of tafenoquine for treatment of P. vivax malaria with a companion point-of care diagnostic which has been developed to assess G6PD enzyme activity. A switchover to artemether-lumefantrine for the entire country can also be considered. Vector control can be strengthened by commercial availability of insecticidal bednets and exploration of novel vector control tools like ivermectin. Lastly, enhancing synergy amongst various stakeholders would also catalyze the malaria elimination plans. Funding The authors have received no funding for this paper.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manju Rahi
- Division of Epidemiology and Communicable Diseases, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), New Delhi, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, India
| | - Amit Sharma
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, India
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
- Molecular Medicine, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sharma S, Verma R, Yadav B, Kumar A, Rahi M, Sharma A. What India can learn from globally successful malaria elimination programmes. BMJ Glob Health 2022; 7:bmjgh-2022-008431. [PMID: 35760440 PMCID: PMC9237895 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2022-008431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
India is targeting malaria elimination by 2030. Understanding and adopting the strategies employed by countries that have successfully eliminated malaria can serve as a crucial thrust in this direction for a geographically diverse country like India. This analysis is based on extensive literature search on malaria elimination policies, strategies and programmes adopted by nine countries (China, El Salvador, Algeria, Argentina, Uzbekistan, Paraguay, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Armenia) which have attained malaria-free status over the past decade. The key points which India can learn from their journey are mandatory time-bound response in the form of case reporting and management, rapid vector control response, continuous epidemiological and entomological surveillance, elevated community participation, more training and capacity building, private sector involvement, use of quality diagnostics, cross-border collaborations, inclusion of prevention of re-establishment programmes into the elimination plans, higher investment in research, and uninterrupted funds for successful implementation of malaria elimination programmes. These learnings would help India and other South Asian countries steer their programmes by devising tailor-made strategies for their own regions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sachin Sharma
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Reena Verma
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Bhawna Yadav
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Amit Kumar
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Manju Rahi
- Division of Epidemiology and Communicable Diseases, Indian Council of Medical Research, Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Amit Sharma
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, Delhi, India .,International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|