Prevention of Congenital Transmission of Malaria in Sub-Saharan African Countries : Challenges and Implications for Health System Strengthening

Abstract EN

Objectives.

Review of burden of congenital transmission of malaria, challenges of preventive measures, and implications for health system strengthening in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods.

Literature from Pubmed (MEDLINE), Biomed central, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Database were reviewed.

Results.

The prevalence of congenital malaria in sub-Saharan Africa ranges from 0 to 23%.

Diagnosis and existing preventive measures are constantly hindered by weak health systems and sociocultural issues.

WHO strategic framework for prevention: intermittent preventive therapy (IPT), insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), and case management of malaria illness and anaemia remain highly promising; though, specific interventions are required to strengthen the health systems in order to improve the effectiveness of these measures.

Conclusion.

Congenital malaria remains a public health burden in sub-Saharan Africa.

Overcoming the challenges of the preventive measures hinges on the ability of national governments and development partners in responding to the weak health systems.