Human Plasmodium in Domestic Animals in West Sumba and Fakfak, Indonesia

Background: Although maximum efforts have been made, malaria in several areas in Indonesia is still high. This study aims to detect the possibility of a Plasmodium reservoir in domestic animals in endemic malaria areas.Methods: Blood from the domestic animal was collected by EDTA tube, smeared and stained by Giemsa for detecting Plasmodium microscopically. Ten µl blood from EDTA tube dripped into filter paper for Plasmodium DNA capture. Nested PCR was used for the molecular detection of parasites, and DNA was sequenced from PCR products to ascertain Plasmodium species.Result: A total of 208 and 62 animal blood samples were collected from Gaura and Fakfak villages. Thirty-two of 270 animals contained P. falciparum or P. vivax, and all are from Gaura village. The percentage of Plasmodium in buffalo, horse, goat, and dog is 20.7%, 14.3%, 5.8%, 16.7%, respectively. Neither P. knowlesi found in all samples, nor parasite detected in 18 pig blood samples.Conclusion: Human Plasmodium exists in domestic animals in Indonesia. This finding may partly explain the persistence of the high prevalence of malaria in some endemic areas in Indonesia and may affect public health and malaria control strategy.

Performance of Indoor Residual Spray on entomological parameters of malaria transmission using pirimiphos-methyl in the context of pyrethroids resistance in Koulikoro region, Mali.

Background: Following vectors resistance to both pyrethroid and carbamates, organophosphate (pirimiphos-methyl) was used in the Indoor Residual Spray campaigns of 2015 to 2016 in the district of Koulikoro. In this context, we assessed the effect of IRS on malaria transmission by comparing entomological indices in two localities: Koulikoro (LLINs+IRS), and Banamba (LLINs -only) districts. Methods: The study was conducted in two villages of each of Koulikoro and Banamba in 2016. Pyrethroid spray catch and entry window trapping where used to collect mosquitoes monthly WHO bioassay test was used to assess mosquito’s susceptibility to insecticides. Mosquitoes were identified into species by PCR and the infection rate using ELISA. Results: An. coluzii was by far the most frequent species. Its density was rainfall dependent in no-IRS area, and almost independent in IRS area. The IR in the no-IRS area was 1.24%, while in the IRS area, we could not detect infection. In the no-IRS area, the EIR was 0.21 infective bites /person month with the peak in September. High resistance to pyrethroids and carbamates and susceptibility to organophosphates was observed in all sites. Conclusion: A big randomized study is needed to better estimate the added value of the IRS in an integrated malaria control strategy. Key words: Mali, IRS, Long-lasting insecticidal nets, insecticide resistance, transmission.

Community participation in malaria control strategy of intersect oral collaboration in Ghana: Myth or reality?

Background: For many years, malaria has been one of the main health concerns of the government of Ghana. The government has recently implemented a control strategy which will ensure the inclusion of the community members who were previously excluded from the process. Until now, however, scientific study on this strategy has been scanty.Objectives: The objectives were to investigate the level at which communities have been allowed to participate and to understand whether the idea of community participation in malaria control strategy is a myth or a reality.Methods: Data were collected in the rural district of Ahafo-Ano South in the Ashanti region of Ghana. An exploratory qualitative approach was employed in order to ascertain the opinions of the local health officials and community members. The level of participation was measured using the framework of Arnstein’s ‘ladder’ of participation, as developed in 1969.Results: Evidence showed that the level of community participation was only tokenistic. Communities were only informed and/or consulted after decisions had been made, but the real engagement and negotiations were absent. Communities thus had limited opportunities to air their views in the planning process.Conclusion: This article has revealed that the government’s vision of ensuring community participation in the malaria control policy-making process can be said to be a myth rather than a reality.

Household bednet ownership and use in Ghana: Implications for malaria control

The distribution of insecticide bednets has become a key malaria control strategy in endemic regions. The literature, however, points to a gap between availability and use. Using nationally representative household data from Ghana, this study investigates the factors that associate with household bednet ownership and use among minor children. The results indicate that more than half of Ghanaian households do not own any bednet; while among those who do, household crowding and other socio-demographic factors tend to impede their use. This notwithstanding, the analysis suggests that scaling up bednet distribution could facilitate increased use among vulnerable populations.