Challenges in Malaria Case Management in Sub-Saharan Africa

Researchers at the Malaria Research and Training Center have identified persistent gaps in malaria case management in Sub-Saharan African countries. Despite efforts to eliminate the disease by 2030, significant challenges hinder progress, including insufficient resources, inadequate skills, limited monitoring and evaluation capacities, and lack of motivation and commitment among stakeholders. A narrative review highlights the importance of sustainable approaches at the country level to contribute to effective malaria elimination.

Key Takeaways:

• Malaria continues to pose a public health concern in countries of the Southern region, with significant gaps impeding the achievement of malaria elimination by 2030.
• The quality of case management is a critical gap, encompassing aspects such as healthcare service organization, diagnosis, treatment, and patient follow-up.
• Inadequate skills, limited monitoring and evaluation capacities, lack of motivation and commitment among stakeholders, and challenges related to implementation and governance hinder progress.
• Continuous training programs, epidemiological and operational research endeavors, fostering a culture of quality, and promoting collaboration among stakeholders are initiatives to strengthen and enhance the quality of care.
• The article emphasizes the need for sustainable approaches at the country level to contribute to effective malaria elimination.

Statistics:

• By 2030, the goal is to achieve malaria elimination, but significant gaps still impede progress.
• The quality of case management is a critical gap, with aspects such as healthcare service organization, diagnosis, treatment, and patient follow-up affected.
• Malaria continues to pose a public health concern in countries of the Southern region, with significant gaps in case management.

Sources:

• NewsRx. Findings from Malaria Research and Training Center Advance Knowledge in Malaria (Challenges in the Quality of Malaria Case Management in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Narrative Review). Malaria Weekly. October 27, 2025; p 8.
• Batna Journal of Medical Sciences, 11(3), 2024.
• Algerian Society of Clinical & Oncological Pharmacy.