Target product profiles for malaria diagnostics.

<p>D, desirable; E, essential; O, optional.</p>a<p>Analytic sensitivity<i>:</i> detection threshold against the marker of the infective agent (target) in controlled conditions. Diagnostic sensitivity<i>:</i> proportion (percent) of target cases detected by the test in the setting of intended use. The sensitivity required for <i>P. vivax</i> is generally at least that required for <i>P. falciparum</i>, and the parameters here should be applied to both. To achieve the required diagnostic sensitivity in low-prevalence settings, a greater analytic sensitivity (lower threshold of detection) may be required in some cases.</p>b<p>Not required for febrile case management, but in an elimination setting, it would be desirable to detect incidental parasitemia at this level.</p>c<p>Essential where stored in the field in ambient temperatures that frequently reach this level. Ambient temperature of prolonged storage in place of use should be considered the essential temperature stability requirement for a particular product.</p>d<p>Areas in which infections are almost exclusively monospecies or mixed species <i>P. falciparum</i> infections. It is likely that many such infections have subpatent coinfections with other species. Where this represents a minority of infections, treatment on the basis of <i>P. falciparum</i> alone is likely to be acceptable from a programmatic and public health point of view. Non<i>-P. falciparum</i> infections are likely to become relatively more prominent as <i>P. falciparum</i> infections decline in prevalence, making the detection of non-<i>P. falciparum</i> species more desirable.</p>e<p>May be of importance in areas undergoing certification for elimination.</p>f<p>All inner (individual test) packaging should display, at a minimum: manufacturer name, product name, expiry date, lot number, target use (malaria).</p>g<p>Outcome of temperature stability and integrity of packaging (ability to exclude moisture).</p>h<p>Rapidity of results: For case management, results must be available before a patient is likely to leave the clinic. For surveillance, result availability in time for finding and managing cases is highly desirable.</p

The position of different diagnostic approaches/tests in relation to morbidity, parasite prevalence, densities, and different stages towards malaria elimination.

<p>Image credit: Fusión Creativa.</p

Community participation for malaria elimination in tafea province, vanuatu: part ii. social and cultural aspects of treatment-seeking behaviour

Background: Early diagnosis and prompt effective case management are important components of any malaria elimination strategy. Tafea Province, Vanuatu has a rich history of traditional practices and beliefs, which have been integrated with missionary efforts and the introduction of modern constructions of health. Gaining a detailed knowledge of community perceptions of malarial symptomatology and treatment-seeking behaviours is essential in guiding effective community participation strategies for malaria control and elimination