Preventive Treatment Of Pregnant Women Research Articles

Knowledge, attitude and practices on intermittent preventive treatment in pregnant women with malaria: a mixed method facility-based study in Western Kenya

Knowledge, attitude and practices on intermittent preventive treatment in pregnant women with malaria: a mixed method facility-based study in Western Kenya

Genetic polymorphism of merozoite surface protein 1 and antifolate-resistant genes in Plasmodium falciparum from Mali and Niger.

Since 2015, countries in the Sahel region have implemented large-scale seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC). However, the mass use of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) plus amodiaquine impacts the genetic diversity of malaria parasites and their sensitivity to antimalarials. This study aimed to describe and compare the genetic diversity and SP resistance of Plasmodium falciparum strains in Mali and Niger. We collected 400 blood samples in Mali and Niger from children aged 3-59 months suspected of malaria. Of them, 201 tested positive (Niger, 111, 55.2%; Mali, 90, 44.8%). Polymorphism of merozoite surface protein 1 (msp1) genetic marker showed 201 allotypes. The frequency of the RO33 allotype was significantly higher in Niger (63.6%) than in Mali (39.3%). There was no significant difference in the frequency of the K1 and MAD20 allotypes between the 2 countries. The multiplicity of infection was 2 allotypes per patient in Mali and one allotype per patient in Niger. The prevalence of strains with the triple mutants Pfdhfr51I/Pfdhfr59R/Pfdhps436A/F/H and Pfdhfr51I/Pfdhfr59R/Pfdhps437G was 18.1% and 30.2%, respectively, and 7.7% carried the quadruple mutant Pfdhfr51I/Pfdhfr59R/Pfdhps436A/F/H/Pfdhps437G. Despite the significant genetic diversity of parasite populations, the level of SP resistance was comparable between Mali and Niger. The frequency of mutations conferring resistance to SP still allows its effective use in intermittent preventive treatment in pregnant women and in SMC.

Plasmodium falciparum drug resistance-associated mutations in isolates from children living in endemic areas of Burkina Faso

BackgroundArtemisinin-based combinations therapy (ACT) is the current frontline curative therapy for uncomplicated malaria in Burkina Faso. Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) is used for the preventive treatment of pregnant women (IPTp), while SP plus amodiaquine (SP-AQ) is recommended for children under five in seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC). This study aimed to assess the proportions of mutations in the P. falciparum multidrug-resistance 1 (Pfmdr1), P. falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter (Pfcrt), P. falciparum dihydrofolate reductase (pfdhfr), and P. falciparum dihydropteroate synthase (pfdhps), genes from isolates collected during household surveys in Burkina Faso.MethodsDried blood spots from Plasmodium falciparum-positive cases at three sites (Orodara, Gaoua, and Banfora) collected during the peak of transmission were analysed for mutations in Pfcrt (codons 72–76, 93, 97, 145, 218, 343, 350 and 353), Pfmdr-1 (codons 86, 184, 1034, 1042 and 1246) dhfr (codons 51, 59, 108, 164) and dhps (at codons 431, 436, 437, 540, 581, 613) genes using deep sequencing of multiplexed Polymerase chaine reaction (PCR) amplicons.ResultsOf the 377 samples analysed, 346 (91.7%), 369 (97.9%), 368 (97.6%), and 374 (99.2%) were successfully sequenced for Pfcrt, Pfmdr-1, dhfr, and dhps, respectively. Most of the samples had a Pfcrt wild-type allele (89.3%). The 76T mutation was below 10%. The most frequent Pfmdr-1 mutation was detected at codon 184 (Y > F, 30.9%). The single mutant genotype (NFSND) predominated (66.7%), followed by the wild-type genotype (NYSND, 30.4%). The highest dhfr mutations were observed at codon 59R (69.8%), followed by codons 51I (66.6%) and 108 N (14.7%). The double mutant genotype (ACIRSI) predominated (52.4%). For mutation in the dhps gene, the highest frequency was observed at codon 437 K (89.3%), followed by codons 436 A (61.2%), and 613 S (14.4%). The double mutant genotype (IAKKAA) and the single mutant genotype (ISKKAA) were predominant (37.7% and 37.2%, respectively). The most frequent dhfr/dhps haplotypes were the triple mutant ACIRSI/IAKKAA (23%), the wild-type ACNCSI/ISKKAA (19%) and the double mutant ACIRSI/ISKKAA (14%). A septuple mutant ACIRNI/VAKKGA was observed in 2 isolates from Gaoua (0.5%).ConclusionThe efficacy of ACT partner drugs and drugs used in IPTp and SMC does not appear to be affected by the low proportion of highly resistant mutants observed in this study. Continued monitoring, including molecular surveillance, is critical for decision-making on effective treatment policy in Burkina Faso.

Pregnancy and exogenous constitutional obesity. possibilities of ozone therapy

The aim of the study was to evaluate ozone therapy in obese pregnant women. 118 pregnant women with varying degrees of obesity were examined and treated. It turned out that the course of intravenous drip administration of ozonated saline solution leads to the normalization of a number of important indicators of homeostasis including stimulation of the antioxidant system and reduction of peroxide stress. The reduction in the frequency of miscarriage, preeclampsia, premature birth, and bleeding during childbirth and the postpartum period is achieved. It`s possible to recommend the inclusion of ozone therapy in the preventive treatment of pregnant women with exogenous constitutional obesity.

Malaria in Children: Updates on Management and Prevention.

Malaria in Children: Updates on Management and Prevention.

Impact of prophylactic antimalarials in pregnant women living with Human Immunodeficiency Viruson birth outcomes in Botswana.

Until late 2015, Botswana recommended preventive treatment for pregnant women in malarial regions with chloroquine and proguanil (CP). The guideline change provided an opportunity to evaluate CP and adverse birth outcomes. The Tsepamo Study performed birth outcomes surveillance at large delivery centres throughout Botswana. We evaluated adverse birth outcomes from 2015 to 2017 at three hospitals where 93% of CP use was recorded. Outcomes included neonatal death (NND), small for gestational age (SGA), very SGA, stillbirth (SB), preterm delivery (PTD) and very PTD. Logistic regression analysis (unadjusted and adjusted) was conducted for each adverse birth outcome. During the study period, 5883 (26%) of 23,033 deliveries were exposed to CP, with the majority (65%) in the most malaria-endemic region. At this site, there was a trend or an association between CP use and reduction of three adverse birth outcomes: PTD (aOR 0.85, 95% CI 0.76-0.96), vPTD (aOR 0.83, 95% CI 0.68-1.01) and NND (aOR 0.65, 95% CI 0.42-1.00). However, at the least malaria-endemic site, the association was in the opposite direction for SB (aOR 1.54, 95% CI 1.08-2.22), SGA (aOR 1.24, 95% CI 1.06-1.44) and vSGA (aOR 1.42, 95% CI 1.14-1.77). The association between CP and reduced PTD was present among women without HIV (aOR 0.77, 95% CI 0.67-0.89) but not among women with HIV (aOR 1.09, 95% CI 0.78-1.35). Antimalarial prophylaxis was associated with improved birth outcomes in the most malaria-endemic region of Botswana, but not elsewhere. This finding supports current WHO guidance to use prophylaxis strategies among pregnant women in highly malaria-endemic regions. Further studies of the risks and benefits of specific antimalarial regimens in pregnancy are warranted, particularly in areas with lower incidence of malaria.

Spatiotemporal spread of Plasmodium falciparum mutations for resistance to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine across Africa, 1990-2020.

BackgroundSulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) is recommended in Africa in several antimalarial preventive regimens including Intermittent Preventive Treatment in pregnant women (IPTp), Intermittent Preventive Treatment in infants (IPTi) and Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC). The effectiveness of SP-based preventive treatments are threatened in areas where Plasmodium falciparum resistance to SP is high. The prevalence of mutations in the dihydropteroate synthase gene (pfdhps) can be used to monitor SP effectiveness. IPTi-SP is recommended only in areas where the prevalence of the pfdhps540E mutation is below 50%. It has also been suggested that IPTp-SP does not have a protective effect in areas where the pfdhps581G mutation, exceeds 10%. However, pfdhps mutation prevalence data in Africa are extremely heterogenous and scattered, with data completely missing from many areas.Methods and findingsThe WWARN SP Molecular Surveyor database was designed to summarize dihydrofolate reductase (pfdhfr) and pfdhps gene mutation prevalence data. In this paper, pfdhps mutation prevalence data was used to generate continuous spatiotemporal surface maps of the estimated prevalence of the SP resistance markers pfdhps437G, pfdhps540E, and pfdhps581G in Africa from 1990 to 2020 using a geostatistical model, with a Bayesian inference framework to estimate uncertainty. The maps of estimated prevalence show an expansion of the pfdhps437G mutations across the entire continent over the last three decades. The pfdhps540E mutation emerged from limited foci in East Africa to currently exceeding 50% estimated prevalence in most of East and South East Africa. pfdhps540E distribution is expanding at low or moderate prevalence in central Africa and a predicted focus in West Africa. Although the pfdhps581G mutation spread from one focus in East Africa in 2000, to exceeding 10% estimated prevalence in several foci in 2010, the predicted distribution of the marker did not expand in 2020, however our analysis indicated high uncertainty in areas where pfdhps581G is present. Uncertainty was higher in spatial regions where the prevalence of a marker is intermediate or where prevalence is changing over time.ConclusionsThe WWARN SP Molecular Surveyor database and a set of continuous spatiotemporal surface maps were built to provide users with standardized, current information on resistance marker distribution and prevalence estimates. According to the maps, the high prevalence of pfdhps540E mutation was to date restricted to East and South East Africa, which is reassuring for continued use of IPTi and SMC in West Africa, but continuous monitoring is needed as the pfdhps540E distribution is expanding. Several foci where pfdhps581G prevalence exceeded 10% were identified. More data on the pfdhps581G distribution in these areas needs to be collected to guide IPTp-SP recommendations. Prevalence and uncertainty maps can be utilized together to strategically identify sites where increased surveillance can be most informative. This study combines a molecular marker database and predictive modelling to highlight areas of concern, which can be used to support decisions in public health, highlight knowledge gaps in certain regions, and guide future research.

Child growth and neurodevelopment after maternal antenatal antibiotic treatment

ObjectiveTo assess whether intermittent preventive treatment of pregnant women (IPTp) with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) and azithromycin (AZI) in a malaria-endemic area leads to sustained gains in linear growth and development in...

Malaria prevention knowledge, attitudes, and practices in Zambezia Province, Mozambique

BackgroundIn Mozambique, socio-economic and cultural factors influence the wide adoption of disease preventive measures that are relevant for malaria control strategies to promote early recognition of disease, prompt seeking of medical care, sleeping under insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), and taking intermittent preventive treatment for pregnant women. However, there is a critical information gap regarding previous and ongoing malaria social and behavioural change (SBC) interventions. The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge, attitudes, practices of beneficiaries of SBC interventions.MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional survey was undertaken in 2018 in two rural districts of Zambezia Province, Mozambique. A structured questionnaire was administered to 773 randomly selected households. Respondents were the adult heads of the households. Descriptive statistics were done.ResultsThe main results show that 96.4% of respondents recalled hearing about malaria in the previous 6 months, 90.0% had knowledge of malaria prevention, and 70.0% of preventive measures. Of the 97.7% respondents that had received ITNs through a mass ITN distribution campaign, 81.7% had slept under an ITN the night before the survey. In terms of source of health information, 70.5% mentioned the role of community volunteers in dissemination of malaria prevention messages, 76.1% of respondents considered worship places (churches and mosques) to be the main places where they heard key malaria prevention messages, and 79.1% asserted that community dialogue sessions helped them better understand how to prevent malaria.ConclusionsResults show that volunteers/activists/teachers played an important role in dissemination of key malaria prevention messages, which brought the following successes: community actors are recognized and people have knowledge of malaria transmission, signs and symptoms, preventive measures, and where to get treatment. There is, however, room for improvement on SBC messaging regarding some malaria symptoms (anaemia and convulsions) and operational research is needed to ascertain the drivers of malaria prevalence and inform the SBC approach.

Inositol and vitamin D may naturally protect human reproduction and women undergoing assisted reproduction from COVID-19 risk

In late 2019, the new Coronavirus has been identified in the city of Wuhan (China) then COVID-19 spreads like wildfire in the rest of the world. Pregnant women represent a risk category for increased abortion rates and vertical transmission with adverse events on the newborns has been recently confirmed. The scientific world is struggling for finding an effective cure for counteracting symptomatology. Today, there are many therapeutic proposes but none of them can effectively counteract the infection. Moreover, many of these compounds show important side effects not justifying their use. Scientific literature reports an immune system over-reaction through interleukins- 6 activation. In this regard, the possibility to control the immune system represents a possible strategy for counteracting the onset of COVID-19 symptomatology. Vitamin D deficiency shows increased susceptibility to acute viral respiratory infections. Moreover, Vitamin D seems involved in host protection from different virus species by modulating activation and release of cytokines. Myo-inositol down-regulates the expression of IL-6 by phosphatidyl-inositol-3-kinase pathway. Furthermore, myo-inositol is the precursor of phospholipids in the surfactant and it is applied for inducing surfactant synthesis in infants for treating respiratory distress syndrome. This review aims to summarize the evidence about COVID-19 infection in pregnant women and to encourage the scientific community to investigate the use of Vitamin D and Myo-inositol which could represent a possible preventive treatment for pregnant women or women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies.

Low prevalence of highly sulfadoxine\u2010resistant dihydropteroate synthase alleles in Plasmodium falciparum isolates in Benin

BackgroundIn 2004, in response to high levels of treatment failure associated with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) resistance, Benin changed its first-line malaria treatment from SP to artemisinin-based combination therapy for treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Resistance to SP is conferred by accumulation of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in P. falciparum genes involved in folate metabolism, dihydrofolate reductase (Pfdhfr) and dihydropteroate synthase (Pfdhps), targeted by pyrimethamine and sulfadoxine, respectively. Because SP is still used for intermittent preventive treatment in pregnant women (IPTp) and seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMCP) in Benin, the prevalence of Pfdhfr and Pfdhps SNPs in P. falciparum isolates collected in 2017 were investigated.MethodsThis study was carried out in two sites where the transmission of P. falciparum malaria is hyper-endemic: Klouékanmey and Djougou. Blood samples were collected from 178 febrile children 6–59 months old with confirmed uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria and were genotyped for SNPs associated with SP resistance.ResultsThe Pfdhfr triple mutant IRN (N51I, C59R, and S108N) was the most prevalent (84.6%) haplotype and was commonly found with the Pfdhps single mutant A437G (50.5%) or with the Pfdhps double mutant S436A and A437G (33.7%). The quintuple mutant, PfdhfrIRN/PfdhpsGE (A437G and K540E), was rarely observed (0.8%). The A581G and A613S mutant alleles were found in 2.6 and 3.9% of isolates, respectively. Six isolates (3.9%) were shown to harbour a mutation at codon I431V, recently identified in West African parasites.ConclusionsThis study showed that Pfdhfr triple IRN mutants are near fixation in this population and that the highly sulfadoxine-resistant Pfdhps alleles are not widespread in Benin. These data support the continued use of SP for chemoprevention in these study sites, which should be complemented by periodic nationwide molecular surveillance to detect emergence of resistant genotypes.

Compliance with Intermittent Preventive Treatment Against Malaria in Pregnancy: Role of Health Center Quality and Accessibility in a Beninese Semi Urban Area

Background: In a context of low coverage (around 40%) of malarial intermittent preventive treatment in pregnant women in republic of Benin, we investigated the implication of health center quality and accessibility factors on the compliance with IPTp. Methods: In a cross-sectional study conducted from October 2017 to February 2018 in southern Benin, 422 women, pregnant in the last trimester or who gave birth less than a month ago were included. Conditions of access to the health center and factors related to the quality of services at the health center were collected. To search for associated factors, univariate analysis were performed using Chi2 (or Fisher’s) and Student’s test. Logistic regression model was fitted for multivariate analysis. Results: Rates of IPTp intake were 36.49%, 26.78% and 11.14% respectively for first, second and third doses. Two factors increased the probability of taking IPT: travel cost (OR=2.57 [1.36; 3.92]) and quality of reception at health center (OR=1.93 [1.27; 2.64]). Conversely, the increase in travel time from home to health center was associated with a lower probability of taking IPT (OR=0.91 [0.85; 0.98]). Conclusion: This study highlighted the need to take into account the improvement of the socioeconomic level of women and the improvement of the quality of services in health centers in order to achieve better coverage of IPT taking in pregnant women. Strengthening the health system in developing countries, in particular by recruiting health workers and training them, is beneficial.

A cluster randomized trial of delivery of intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy at the community level in Burkina Faso

BackgroundMalaria in pregnancy is responsible for 8–14% of low birth weight and 20% of stillbirths in sub-Saharan Africa. To prevent these adverse consequences, the World Health Organization recommends intermittent preventive treatment of pregnant women (IPTp) with sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine be administered at each ANC visit starting as early as possible in the second trimester. Global IPTp coverage in targeted countries remains unacceptably low. Community delivery of IPTp was explored as a means to improve coverage.MethodsA cluster randomized, controlled trial was conducted in 12 health facilities in a 1:1 ratio to either an intervention group (IPTp delivered by CHWs) or a control group (standard practice, with IPTp delivered at HFs) in three districts of Burkina Faso to assess the effect of IPTp administration by community health workers (CHWs) on the coverage of IPTp and antenatal care (ANC). The districts and facilities were purposively selected taking into account malaria epidemiology, IPTp coverage, and the presence of active CHWs. Pre- and post-intervention surveys were carried out in March 2017 and July–August 2018, respectively. A difference in differences (DiD) analysis was conducted to assess the change in coverage of IPTp and ANC over time, accounting for clustering at the health facility level.ResultsAltogether 374 and 360 women were included in the baseline and endline surveys, respectively. At baseline, women received a median of 2.1 doses; by endline, women received a median of 1.8 doses in the control group and 2.8 doses in the intervention group (p-value < 0.0001). There was a non-statistically significant increase in the proportion of women attending four ANC visits in the intervention compared to control group (DiD = 12.6%, p-value = 0.16). By the endline, administration of IPTp was higher in the intervention than control, with a DiD of 17.6% for IPTp3 (95% confidence interval (CI) − 16.3, 51.5; p-value 0.31) and 20.0% for IPTp4 (95% CI − 7.2, 47.3; p-value = 0.15).ConclusionsCommunity delivery of IPTp could potentially lead to a greater number of IPTp doses delivered, with no apparent decrease in ANC coverage.

Factors influencing the use of intermittent preventive treatment of pregnant women seeking care at primary healthcare facilities in the Bwari Area Council, Abuja, Nigeria.

BackgroundThe use of intermittent preventive treatment-sulphadoxine–pyrimethamine (IPT-SP), adapted by Nigeria, is one key preventive strategy recommended by the World Health Organization. Because antenatal clinics serve as the usual entry point for IPT-SP implementation, this study explored healthcare workers’ knowledge and practice, which are key to optimal IPT-SP coverage.AimThis study aimed to explore the knowledge and practices of healthcare workers on the direct observation of IPT-SP amongst pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) in the Bwari Area Council (BWAC) of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria.SettingThe study took place at five different wards of Bwari Area Council and eight Antenatal care facilities in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria.MethodsIn-depth interviews and indirect observations were conducted among purposively selected healthcare workers in charge of the ANC of the eligible facilities. The study explored the knowledge and practices of healthcare workers on intermittent preventive treatment. Data were transcribed, translated and manually coded, and thematic analysis was conducted.ResultsHealthcare workers’ knowledge of IPT-SP, mode of administration and the rationale behind the use were poor. They all agreed that IPT-SP is supposed to be administered as a directly observed therapy at the clinic, but this practice was non-existent.ConclusionThe findings indicate that factors such as adequate technical skill, accessibility and availability of logistics influence knowledge and practice of IPT service delivery. Therefore, measures should be put in place to address gaps identified by this study.

Malaria epidemiology in Kobeni department, southeastern Mauritania from 2015 to 2017

BackgroundPlasmodium falciparum malaria is endemic in the southern sahelian zone of Mauritania where intense internal and trans-border human and livestock movement occurs. The risk of importation and spread of drug-resistant parasites need to be regularly assessed in this region. The objective of the study was to assess the recent malaria situation near the Mauritania-Mali border.MethodsBetween February 2015 and December 2017, patients with fever or history of fever during the previous 48 h, presenting at the health centre of Kobeni city, were screened for malaria using a rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and microscopic examination of blood smears. The diagnosis was later confirmed by PCR. Cohen’s kappa statistics was used to estimate the degree of agreement between diagnostic methods. Fisher’s exact test was used to compare proportions. The odds ratio was calculated to measure the association between the use of bed nets and malaria infection.ResultsA total of 2326 febrile patients (mean age, 20.2 years) were screened for malaria. The presence of malaria parasites was detected by RDT and microscopy in 53.0% and 49.3% of febrile patients, respectively, and was confirmed by PCR in 59.7% (45 missing data). Of 1361 PCR-positive samples, 1205 (88.5%) were P. falciparum, 47 (3.5%) P. vivax, and 99 (7.3%) P. falciparum-P. vivax mixed infection. Malaria transmission occurred mostly during and shortly after the rainy season. The annual rainfall was relatively low in 2016 (267 mm) and 2017 (274 mm), compared to 2015 (448 mm), and coincided with a decline in malaria prevalence in 2016–2017. Although 71.8% of febrile patients reported to possess at least one bed net in the household in our questionnaire, its reported use was not protective against malaria infection (odds ratio: 1.1, 95% CI: 0.91–1.32).ConclusionsOur study confirmed that P. falciparum is the dominant species in the sahelian zone and that malaria transmission is seasonal and associated with rainfall in this zone. The application of the current national policy based on rapid and reliable malaria diagnosis, case management with artemisinin-based combination therapy, intermittent preventive treatment for pregnant women, distribution and use of long-lasting insecticide impregnated bed nets, and the planned introduction of seasonal malaria chemoprevention for all children under 6 years old is expected to sustainably reduce malaria transmission in this zone.

Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine-based intermittent preventive treatment in pregnant women and its effect on birth weight: application of 3-dosing regimen in the urban area of South Benin in 2017

IntroductionLe paludisme est un problème de santé publique majeur, responsable de nombreuses complications durant la grossesse parmi lesquelles le retard de croissance intra utérin et les hypotrophies. L'objectif de ce travail était de déterminer l'effet du respect des 3 doses du traitement préventif intermittent (TPI) à la sulfadoxine-pyrimétamine (SP) sur le poids de naissance des nouveau-nés de la zone sanitaire Cotonou II et III.MéthodesIl s'agit d'une étude transversale qui a porté sur 630 femmes en période post partum résidant dans la zone sanitaire Cotonou II-III et sélectionnées par une technique de sondage à deux degrés. Les données ont été recueillies par un questionnaire et une fiche de dépouillement. Pour l'analyse, les données ont été pondérées et nous avons utilisé l'analyse de variance pour la comparaison des moyennes et une comparaison de proportions avec le test de chi² assorti d'une estimation de la force de l'association par l'odds ratio (OR) et son intervalle de confiance à 95%.RésultatsLe respect des 3 doses du TPI à la SP était de 34,08% (IC95%: [24,84% - 43,30%]). On note un gain significatif de poids de naissance de 264,5g (p < 0,001) chez les mères qui avaient reçu plus de 3 doses de SP et la probabilité d'avoir un bébé ayant un faible poids de naissance était plus faible (OR = 0,45; p = 0,001) chez ces mères comparativement à celles qui avaient reçu moins de 3 doses de sulfadoxine-pyriméthamine.ConclusionCette étude révèle une faible observance de la nouvelle politique à 3 doses du traitement préventif intermittent à la sulfadoxine-pyriméthamine dans la zone sanitaire de Cotonou II et III, mais elle témoigne de son potentiel de contribution à la réduction du risque de faible poids de naissance. Des stratégies doivent donc être mises en œuvre pour renforcer son application en vue de la prévention du paludisme et de ses conséquences pour les cibles vulnérables.

Intermittent preventive treatment of pregnant women in Kintampo area of Ghana with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP): trends spanning 2011 and 2015

ObjectiveIn Ghana, intermittent preventive treatment during pregnancy with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) is recommended for the prevention of malaria-related adverse outcomes. This study demonstrates the coverage of IPTp-SP use among pregnant women...

Malaria in Pregnancy in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria

The study was carried out to determine the prevalence of malaria in pregnant women in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria during the period of March to August, 2014. A total of two hundred and seven pregnant women were examined, 60% were infected with malaria parasite. With respect to age, pregnant women within the age of 18-25 years had the higher prevalence rate of 67.8%. Prevalence rate of 63.5% were observed within pregnant women in their first trimester. Pregnant women who are farmers tend to have the highest prevalence rate of 71.4% while those who lived in rural areas showed prevalence rate of 69.1%. Primigravidae showed the higher prevalence rate of 68.9%. Of the two locations sampled Abraka had the highest overall prevalence in terms of malaria infection with 64% while Eku showed a prevalence rate of 56%. Based on the findings, there is clear evidence of high level of malaria in pregnant women in the study area, hence the need to reduce the morbidity of malaria in pregnancy in Delta State. Efforts should be made to scale-up intermittent preventive treatment of pregnant women (IPTp) for malaria with Sulfadoxine Pyrimethamine (SP), and ensure increased access to IPTp with SP in all areas in Delta State. Free bed nets should also be provided to pregnant women on their first antenatal visit.

Mefloquine for preventing malaria in pregnant women.

Mefloquine for preventing malaria in pregnant women.

An analysis of country adoption and implementation of the 2012 WHO recommendations for intermittent preventive treatment for pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa

BackgroundAn estimated 30 million women give birth annually in malaria endemic areas of sub-Saharan Africa. Malaria in pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of adverse maternal and infant outcomes. To combat the adverse effects of MiP, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the provision of intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy with sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine (IPTp–SP) in areas of moderate to high malaria transmission. In 2012, the WHO updated its policy with respect to IPTp administration to recommend administration at each antenatal care visit in the second and third trimesters, with a minimum of three, rather than two, doses. While rapid improvements in coverage were expected, gains have occurred more slowly than anticipated.MethodsThe President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) assessed IPTp uptake before and after countries implemented the new WHO policy, and assessed how long it took for implementation to occur, using a combination of data from household surveys, routine health management information systems, and programmatic data provided to PMI.ResultsIt took an average of 2 years for countries to complete the process of revising their IPTp policies, and it was not until 2015 that all 17 PMI countries had updated their policies. Policy dissemination and training had not been completed in several countries as of early 2018, and only seven countries had fully implemented the new policy including updating their antenatal care registers to collect information on IPTp3+ coverage. The coverage of IPTp1+, 2+, and 3+ has increased by 19, 16, and 13 percentage points since the revised IPTp policy adoption.DiscussionOverall, coverage of both IPTp2+ and IPTp3+ has improved in recent years. The change in policy from a minimum of two to a minimum of three doses has likely contributed to these improvements. Progress has been slow, likely related to the complicated process of policy adoption exacerbated by the lag in measurement through national household surveys. The impact of future policy changes may be more readily seen if the policy change and implementation process were more streamlined and coordinated between key stakeholders (National Malaria Control Programmes and Reproductive Health Programmes), with more real-time data reporting.