Accurate, reliable and timely diagnosis of malaria before administering anti-malarial drugs has been identified as a means of eradicating m...
Accurate, reliable and timely diagnosis of malaria before administering anti-malarial drugs has been identified as a means of eradicating malaria in the country.
A World Health Organization (WHO) graded expert microscopist and the laboratory advisor of Health Initiative for Safety and Stability in Africa (HIFASS), Col. Felix Abayomi Adeoye (Rtd) made this known while talking to journalists during the launch of his book, "Improving laboratory-based diagnosis of malaria: Malaria microscopy manual," in Abuja.
He said health practitioners needed to understand that not every fever is malaria but every malaria is fever, adding that this understanding would guide them against prescribing the wrong treatment.
He said Nigerians should stop running to drugstores because they have fever, adding, "our misconception is that once you are having fever, it is either you are having typhoid or malaria.
"When you meet a doctor always ask that you should be sent to the laboratory for identification, confirmation of the parasite before you are treated".
He advocated for the enlightenment of communities on the need for them to do parasite based test before going for the treatment of malaria.
In his remarks the President of HIFASS, Dr. Roland Oritsejafor said the book will contribute to early and accurate diagnosis of malaria and prompt and effective management, ensuring that only confirmed cases receive anti malaria as well as optimum surveillance.
He said the quality of microscopy-based diagnosis is frequently inadequate, "Malaria rapid diagnostic tests have the potential to significantly improve management of malaria infections especially in remote areas.
He identified continual training and capacity building of malaria program managers and health professionals as key in ensuring program effectiveness, especially in areas with weak health infrastructures.
The book was reviewed by Professor Francis M. Useh of University of Calabar in a well attended ceremony.
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