Dramatic Fall In Malaria In Gambia

The incidence of malaria has fallen significantly in Gambia in the last 5 years, according to a study carried out by experts there with support from scientists based in London.  Investigations into ways of controlling malaria have been underway in Gambia for more than 50 years and, since 2003, efforts to deliver malaria interventions to pregnant women and children under 5 – including intermittent preventive treatment, the use of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) and indoor residual spraying - have been stepped up considerably.  At each of the four sites with complete slide examination records, they found that the proportions of malaria-positive slides had decreased by 82%, 85%, 73% and 50% respectively between 2003 and 2007.   The most substantial change in measures to prevent malaria has been the increase of coverage of ITNs, which thanks to well-publicised initiatives from the Global Fund, UNICEF and WHO increased threefold between 2000 and 2006 (49% of under 5s in Gambia are now reported to be sleeping under ITNs – the highest reported coverage in Africa).

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081030203243.htm