Case management of malaria: Treatment and chemoprophylaxis

Ukpe, I S; Moonasar, D; Raman, J; Barnes, K I; Baker, L; Blumberg, L

Case management of malaria: Treatment and chemoprophylaxis

Journal Article

2013

Journal Title

South African Medical Journal

Link to Journal

https://dx.doi.org/10.7196/SAMJ.7443

Department

Department of Medicine

Faculty

Faculty of Health Sciences

Abstract

Malaria case management is a vital component of programmatic strategies for malaria control and elimination. Malaria case management encompasses prompt and effective treatment to minimise morbidity and mortality, reduce transmission and prevent the emergence and spread of antimalarial drug resistance. Malaria is an acute illness that may progress rapidly to severe disease and death, especially in non-immune populations, if not diagnosed early and promptly treated with effective drugs. In this article, the focus is on malaria case management, addressing treatment, monitoring for parasite drug resistance, and the impact of drug resistance on treatment policies; it concludes with chemoprophylaxis and treatment strategies for malaria elimination in South Africa.