Challenges on Malaria control in Afghanistan
Document type: mthesis
Download file(s):
185338 (987 KB)
Abstract:
Afghanistan has the 4th largest malaria burden in the world. An estimated 1.5 million people suffer from malaria each year, and about 14.8 million people are now at risk of malaria infections. More than 80% of malaria morbidity is due to Plasmodium vivax while Plasmodium falciparum also causes a considerable number of deaths. The Afghanistan Malaria control program started in 1947 and registered early successes. Although efforts to control malaria have increased dramatically there have been no gains because of the prevailing political instability. The aim of the thesis is to investigate the challenges in malaria control in Afghanistan in order to provide recommendations for better implementation in future. The thesis was based on a review of malaria literature from Afghanistan and other countries. The adapted Roll Back Malaria Framework, was used to analyze effective malaria control and current interventions in Afghanistan so as to formulate recommendations. Findings reveal gaps in all malaria interventions in the country. The three major being, Insecticide Treated Nets where there is low accessibility, affordability and availability; malaria diagnosis where there is shortage of qualified personnel and lack of diagnostic centers, and treatment where there is presumptive treatment, drug resistance and low treatment knowledge. It is therefore recommended that there should be free distribution of insecticide treated nets to pregnant women and children and offer highly subsidized nets to people in high endemic areas as a priority and those diagnosed malaria positive in public clinics. For diagnosis it is recommended to establish diagnostic centers at the Basic Health Centers and Health Posts. For treatment it is recommended to base treatment on parasitic based diagnosis and include plasmodium vivax relapse treatment in national treatment protocol. In conclusion, for effective implementation of the National Malaria Strategic Plan it is important to increase the political commitment, strengthen the surveillance system, build the mechanisms to ensure program sustainability and improve the resource mobilization.
Authors:
Nahzat, M.S.
Country:
Afghanistan
Category:
Research
Department:
Development Policy & Practice
Institute:
KIT (Royal Tropical Institute)
Keywords:
health
,
disease prevention and control
,
health services
Language:
eng
Organization:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute
PAGE:
viii, 52
Year:
2009
Region:
Southwest Asia
Right:
© 2009 Nahzat
Subject:
Health and Nutrition
Title:
Challenges on Malaria control in Afghanistan
Training:
Master of Public Health / International Course in Health Development (ICHD)