Improved access to early diagnosis and complete treatment of malaria in Odisha, India.

Sreya Pradhan,Kamini Mendis,Neena Valecha,S K Sharma,Anupkumar R Anvikar,Ambarish Dutta,Jaya Banerji,Naman K Shah,Madan Mohan Pradhan,Khageshwar Pradhan,Pyare Lal Joshi,Shiva Murugasampillay,Penny Grewal Daumerie,Stephan Duparc,Khin Thet Wai

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0208943

Abstract

BackgroundIn 2013, the Comprehensive Case Management Programme (CCMP) was initiated to assess the impact of universal access to diagnosis and treatment and improved surveillance on malaria transmission in different settings in Odisha state, India.MethodsPairs of intervention and control sub-districts (blocks), matched on malaria incidence were selected in four districts with different transmission intensities. CCMP activities included training and supervision, ensuring no stock-outs of malaria tests and drugs, analysing verified surveillance data, stratifying areas based on risk factors, and appointing alternative providers to underserved areas. Composite risk scores were calculated for each sub-centre using principal component analysis. Post−pre changes (2013–2015 versus 2011–2012) for annual blood examination rates (ABER) and annual parasite incidence (API) across intervention and control groups were assessed using difference-in-difference (DID) estimates, adjusted for malaria transmission risk.ResultsIn the intervention sub-centres, the mean increase in ABER was 6.41 tests/sub-centre (95%CI 4.69, 8.14; p<0.01) and in API was 9.2 cases diagnosed/sub-centre (95%CI 5.18, 13.21; p<0.01). The control sub-centres reported lower increases in ABER (2.84 [95%CI 0.35, 5.34]; p<0.05) and API (3.68 [95%CI 0.45, 6.90]; p<0.05). The control-adjusted post–pre changes in API showed that 5.52 more cases (95%CI 0.34, 10.70; p<0.05) were diagnosed, and a 3.6 more cases (95%CI 0.58, 6.56; p<0.05) were tested per sub-centre in the intervention versus control areas. Larger differences in post–pre changes in API between intervention and control sub-centres were registered in the higher transmission-risk areas compared with the lower risk areas. All the changes were statistically significant.ConclusionsIntensive intervention activities targeted at improved access to malaria diagnosis and treatment produced a substantial increase in blood examination and case notification, especially in inaccessible, hard-to-reach pockets. CCMP provides insights into how to achieve universal coverage of malaria services through a routine, state-run programme.

Highlights

In 2016, India accounted for 6% of the global malaria burden and 90% of the malaria cases in the World Health Organization (WHO) South East Asia region [1]
In the intervention sub-centres, the mean increase in annual blood examination rates (ABER) was 6.41 tests/sub-centre and in annual parasite incidence (API) was 9.2 cases diagnosed/sub-centre (95%CI 5.18, 13.21; p
Intensive intervention activities targeted at improved access to malaria diagnosis and treatment produced a substantial increase in blood examination and case notification, especially in inaccessible, hard-to-reach pockets

Summary

Introduction

In 2016, India accounted for 6% of the global malaria burden and 90% of the malaria cases in the World Health Organization (WHO) South East Asia region [1]. India aims to eliminate malaria by 2030, but there exist significant gaps in malaria surveillance, diagnosis, treatment and control [1]. A major challenge is the substantial heterogeneity in the malaria burden and risk of transmission between and within Indian states with a large diversity in ecotypes and vectors [2]. Responsibility for malaria control is divided between the central and the state governments of India. In 2013, the Comprehensive Case Management Programme (CCMP) was initiated to assess the impact of universal access to diagnosis and treatment and improved surveillance on malaria transmission in different settings in Odisha state, India

Methods

Results

Conclusion