Authors: Sarah A. Cassidy-Seyoum ,Keoratha Chheng,Phal Chanpheakdey,Agnes Meershoek,Michelle S. Hsiang,Lorenz von Seidlein,Rupam Tripura,Bipin Adhikari,Benedikt Ley,Ric N. Price,Dysoley Lek,Nora Engel ,Kamala Thriemer
Plasmodium vivax poses a challenge for malaria elimination due to its ability to form dormant stages in the liver that can reactivate. To treat this, a new test called the STANDARD G6PD test helps identify individuals with G6PD deficiency, who can have severe reactions to treatment. In 2021, Cambodia rolled out this test to improve malaria treatment. A study across eight districts evaluated its implementation. The main issue was that only 49.2% of eligible patients reached health centers for testing after being diagnosed by community health workers, due to long distances, poor road conditions, and costs. However, once patients reached health centers, 93.9% were tested. Despite this, only 36.5% of eligible patients received the necessary treatment, with many women and children missing out. The study highlights the need for better infrastructure and income support to improve access to treatment and suggests using community health workers to bring care closer to patients.
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Resource Topic: Malaria
Resource Type: Mixed Methods
Year: 2024
Region:
Country: Cambodia
Publisher May Restrict Access: No