Implementing malaria control in South Africa, Eswatini and southern Mozambique during the COVID-19 pandemic

S Afr Med J. 2020 Oct 8;110(11):1072-1076.

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has strained healthcare delivery systems in a number of southern African countries. Despite this, it is imperative that malaria control and elimination activities continue, especially to reduce as far as possible the number and rate of hospitalisations caused by malaria. The implementation of enhanced malaria control/elimination activities in the context of COVID-19 requires measures to protect healthcare workers and the communities they serve. The aim of this review is therefore to present innovative ideas for the timely implementation of malaria control without increasing the risk of COVID-19 to healthcare workers and communities. Specific recommendations for parasite and vector surveillance, diagnosis, case management, mosquito vector control and community outreach and sensitisation are given.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anopheles / parasitology*
  • COVID-19 / prevention & control
  • Community Health Workers
  • Delivery of Health Care / methods*
  • Disease Eradication
  • Eswatini
  • Guidelines as Topic
  • Health Education*
  • Health Personnel
  • Humans
  • Insecticides
  • Malaria / prevention & control*
  • Malaria / therapy
  • Mosquito Control*
  • Mosquito Vectors / parasitology*
  • Mozambique
  • Personal Protective Equipment
  • Plasmodium
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • South Africa

Substances

  • Insecticides