Evaluation of Pilot Implementation of Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention on Morbidity in youngChildren In Northern Sahelian Ghana
Abstract Background In Sahelian Africa, the risk of malaria increases with the arrival of the rains, during which most clinical malaria occur particularly in young children. Following successful trials in 2012, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended the use of seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) in areas where there is a seasonal peak in malaria. This study evaluated the pilot implementation of SMC in Northern Ghana. Methods Fourteen communities each serving as clusters were selected randomly from Lawra District of Upper West Region as intervention area and West Mamprusi District in the Northern Region as the control area all in Ghana. The intervention was undertaken by the National Malaria Control Program using Sulphadoxine Pyrimethamine plus Amodiaquine and standard WHO protocols. Before and after intervention surveys for malaria parasitemia and hemoglobin levels were assessed as well as monitoring of malaria morbidity. Results Incidence rates of severe malaria were 10 and 20 per 1000 person-years follow up in the intervention and comparison areas respectively with P.E of 45% (p = 0.62). For mild malaria, it was 220 and 170 per 1000 person-years in intervention and comparison area respectively with PE of − 25% (p = 0.31). Differences in anemia (Hb < 11.0g/dl) from baseline to end-line was a reduction of 0.16g/dl (p = 0.000) in intervention and an increase of 0.12g/dl (p = 0.002) in the control area. Mean Hb difference between baseline and end-line was a reduction of 0. 24g/dl (p = 0.000) in control and an increase of 0.39g/dl (p = 000) in the intervention area. At the end of the intervention, the proportion of children with asexual parasites reduced by 19% (p = 0.000) in the intervention and increased by 12%(p = 0.000) in the control area. Conclusion The feasibility of SMC in Northern Ghana was demonstrated as evidenced by high study retention, reduction in malaria parasitemia and anemia during the wet season.