Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hanna Y. Ehrlich, Amy K. Bei, Daniel M. Weinberger, Joshua L. Warren, Sunil Parikh
Summary: Resistance to artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) poses a threat to global malaria control, with persistent circulation of parasite alleles associated with reduced partner drug susceptibility contributing to clinical resistance. Rainfall seasonality was identified as the strongest predictor of wild-type genotype prevalence, with other covariates showing weaker associations. Our models estimated a decrease in prevalence of the pfcrt 76T mutation in 90% of regions.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Amelia Bertozzi-Villa, Caitlin A. Bever, Hannah Koenker, Daniel J. Weiss, Camilo Vargas-Ruiz, Anita K. Nandi, Harry S. Gibson, Joseph Harris, Katherine E. Battle, Susan F. Rumisha, Suzanne Keddie, Punam Amratia, Rohan Arambepola, Ewan Cameron, Elisabeth G. Chestnutt, Emma L. Collins, Justin Millar, Swapnil Mishra, Jennifer Rozier, Tasmin Symons, Katherine A. Twohig, T. Deirdre Hollingsworth, Peter W. Gething, Samir Bhatt
Summary: This study examines the spatio-temporal access and use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) in Africa from 2000 to 2020, revealing that while both metrics have improved over time, access remains below the World Health Organization's targets. The study suggests that cultural and social messaging, physical net durability, and distribution challenges play key roles in influencing ITN coverage and use.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Oliver J. Watson, Lucy C. Okell, Joel Hellewell, Hannah C. Slater, H. Juliette T. Unwin, Irene Omedo, Philip Bejon, Robert W. Snow, Abdisalan M. Noor, Kirk Rockett, Christina Hubbart, Joaniter Nankabirwa, Bryan Greenhouse, Hsiao-Han Chang, Azra C. Ghani, Robert Verity
Summary: Significant progress has been made in global malaria control, but innovative tools are needed for continued progress. Research on using genetic sequencing to simulate malaria parasite genetics found that superinfection significantly affects genetic diversity. Parasite genetics could serve as a surveillance tool for malaria, but patient metadata is essential for accuracy.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Michael Rockson Adjei, Kwame Amponsa-Achiano, Rafiq Okine, Peter Ofori Tweneboah, Emmanuel Tettey Sally, John Frederick Dadzie, Fred Osei-Sarpong, Michael Jeroen Adjabeng, John Tanko Bawa, George Bonsu, Kwadwo Odei Antwi-Agyei, Basil Benduri Kaburi, Felicia Owusu-Antwi, Elizabeth Juma, Francis Chisaka Kasolo, Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, Patrick Kuma-Aboagye
Summary: This study evaluated the successes and challenges of the malaria vaccine implementation program in Ghana, finding that the vaccine introduction process was smooth and contributed to an improvement in routine immunization services. The vaccine had a positive impact on under five malaria morbidity. The study recommends a phased subnational approach for nationwide scale-up of the vaccine, along with intensive advocacy, community engagement, and regular supportive supervision.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Shuang Liang, Ruiling Guo, Jing Zhuang, Penghui Li, Zhongzheng Chang, Wangdong Zhu, Zengjun Jin
Summary: This study analyzed the epidemiological characteristics of malaria in Handan China and evaluated the incidence, accuracy, and timeliness of case diagnosis, reporting, and investigation. The results showed that malaria cases in Handan City mainly originated from overseas and the incidence decreased over time. The study suggests strengthening malaria surveillance among returning workers from Africa and ensuring timely diagnosis and treatment of imported infections.
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Susan Winks, John G. Woodland, Goonaseelan 'Colin' Pillai, Kelly Chibale
Summary: The H3D Centre, a research unit based in South Africa, has achieved numerous successes and could potentially serve as a valuable model for drug discovery and development in Africa.
Article
Parasitology
Maria L. Kaiser, Oliver R. Wood, David Damiens, Basil D. Brooke, Lizette L. Koekemoer, Givemore Munhenga
Summary: This study estimated the population size of male Anopheles arabiensis and the dispersal of released males in a targeted area for a pilot sterile male release program. The results showed that the population size of An. arabiensis varied between 550 and 9500 males per hectare, depending on time of year, weather conditions, and method used. The average dispersal distance of marked males ranged from 58 to 86 meters, and marked males were found in swarms with wild males, indicating their ability to participate in mating swarms.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Lwendo Davis, Debra Prosnitz, Yazoume Ye
Summary: Progress toward malaria elimination and improvements in the performance of national malaria control programs have stagnated in recent years, and the COVID-19 pandemic poses further threats. Surveillance, monitoring, and evaluation are crucial for the continued success of these programs. Interventions aimed at strengthening these programs should include both the target population and the program provider. While there is a growing emphasis on qualitative approaches in provider-focused efforts, success metrics often focus on quantitative measures.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Anna Munsey, Alen Kinyina, Melkior Assenga, Annette Almeida, Chonge Kitojo, Erik Reaves, Japhet Simeo, Sijenunu Aron, Frank Chacky, Samwel L. Nhiga, Mary Drake, Ruth Lemwayi, Ryan Lash, Patrick G. T. Walker, Julie R. Gutman
Summary: Data collected during antenatal care (ANC) can effectively track trends in malaria burden. However, further research is needed to elucidate the value of administering questionnaires to ANC attendees.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Bonolo Mmereki, Mmampedi Mathibe, Lindiwe Cele, Perpetua Modjadji
Summary: This study aimed to determine the risk factors for alcohol use among adolescents attending selected township high schools in Tshwane, South Africa. The key risk factors for alcohol use among learners were found to be sex, age, school grade, repeating a grade, and working during spare time.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Alice Kamau, Robert S. Paton, Samuel Akech, Arthur Mpimbaza, Cynthia Khazenzi, Morris Ogero, Eda Mumo, Victor A. Alegana, Ambrose Agweyu, Neema Mturi, Shebe Mohammed, Godfrey Bigogo, Allan Audi, James Kapisi, Asadu Sserwanga, Jane F. Namuganga, Simon Kariuki, Nancy A. Otieno, Bryan O. Nyawanda, Ally Olotu, Nahya Salim, Thabit Athuman, Salim Abdulla, Amina F. Mohamed, George Mtove, Hugh Reyburn, Sunetra Gupta, Jose Lourenco, Philip Bejon, Robert W. Snow
Summary: This study explores the relationship between age patterns of malaria hospitalization and malaria transmission intensity. The results indicate that the majority of malaria admissions occur in children under 5 years old, and in areas with higher transmission intensity, the average age of malaria hospitalization is younger. In moderate and high transmission settings, chemoprevention and vaccines can target a significant proportion of the children in the target age range.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lucia Fernandez Montoya, Celso Alafo, Helena Marti-Soler, Mara Maquina, Arlindo Malheia, Charfudin Sacoor, Ana Paula Abilio, Dulcisaria Marrenjo, Nelson Cuamba, Beatriz Galatas, Pedro Aide, Francisco Saute, Krijn P. Paaijmans
Summary: The study assessed the feasibility of eliminating malaria in a low transmission setting in southern Mozambique through a package of interventions. It found that ownership, access, and use of LLINs were lower in harder-to-reach areas, poorer and larger households. Children and women below 30 had poorer access to LLINs than the overall population. The study revealed that LLIN mass-distribution campaigns alone are not sufficient for high-level net protection during elimination programs, and additional measures are needed to reduce inequalities in LLIN access.
Article
Parasitology
Andre B. B. Wilke, Chalmers Vasquez, Augusto Carvajal, Maday Moreno, William D. Petrie, John C. Beier
Summary: This study compared the relative abundance, species richness, and community composition of mosquitoes collected in natural and rural areas using BG-Sentinel and CDC light traps. The results showed that both traps had similar sampling power, indicating their suitability for mosquito surveillance in rural and natural areas.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Olukunle O. Oyegoke, Olusegun P. Akoniyon, Ropo E. Ogunsakin, Michael O. Ogunlana, Matthew A. Adeleke, Rajendra Maharaj, Moses Okpeku
Summary: Malaria is a major cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies in Southern Africa found a high incidence of malaria positivity, suggesting potential challenges for malaria control and elimination programs in the region.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sarah Gwyn, Andrew W. Nute, Eshetu Sata, Zerihun Tadesse, Ambahun Chernet, Mahteme Haile, Taye Zeru, Danaya Bethea, Christian Laurent, E. Kelly Callahan, Scott D. Nash, Diana L. Martin
Summary: This study evaluated multiple tests to measure antibodies against the C. trachomatis antigen Pgp3 in different districts of Ethiopia. Results showed that one of the tests initially had inconsistent results with TF prevalence, but improved after changing the developing reagent. Long-term monitoring for recrudescence of ocular C. trachomatis infection could benefit from serological testing, which showed good agreement and proportionality with TF estimates.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Laurissa Suiyanka, Victor A. Alegana, Robert W. Snow
Summary: This study examined the impact of COVID mitigation measures and supply interruptions on the delivery of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets in Western Kenya. The findings showed a decline in monthly distribution and a delay in mass community campaigns.
INTERNATIONAL HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Alice Kamau, Robert S. Paton, Samuel Akech, Arthur Mpimbaza, Cynthia Khazenzi, Morris Ogero, Eda Mumo, Victor A. Alegana, Ambrose Agweyu, Neema Mturi, Shebe Mohammed, Godfrey Bigogo, Allan Audi, James Kapisi, Asadu Sserwanga, Jane F. Namuganga, Simon Kariuki, Nancy A. Otieno, Bryan O. Nyawanda, Ally Olotu, Nahya Salim, Thabit Athuman, Salim Abdulla, Amina F. Mohamed, George Mtove, Hugh Reyburn, Sunetra Gupta, Jose Lourenco, Philip Bejon, Robert W. Snow
Summary: This study explores the relationship between age patterns of malaria hospitalization and malaria transmission intensity. The results indicate that the majority of malaria admissions occur in children under 5 years old, and in areas with higher transmission intensity, the average age of malaria hospitalization is younger. In moderate and high transmission settings, chemoprevention and vaccines can target a significant proportion of the children in the target age range.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Arthur Mpimbaza, Harriet Babikako, Damian Rutazanna, Charles Karamagi, Grace Ndeezi, Anne Katahoire, Jimmy Opigo, Robert W. Snow, Joan N. Kalyango
Summary: The study in the Busoga sub-region of Uganda found good adherence levels to malaria case management guidelines among healthcare workers, with gaps mainly noted in the private sector. The supply chain for artemether-lumefantrine (AL) needs to be strengthened, and interventions to improve practices at private facilities should be intensified.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Beatrice Amboko, Beatrice Machini, George Githuka, Philip Bejon, Dejan Zurovac, Robert W. Snow
Summary: The readiness of primary health facilities and health workers in Kenya to provide appropriate pre-referral care for children with severe malaria is inadequate. Further investments and training are needed to improve the situation.
TROPICAL MEDICINE & INTERNATIONAL HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Victor Osoti, Mercy Akinyi, Kevin Wamae, Kelvin M. Kimenyi, Zaydah de Laurent, Leonard Ndwiga, Paul Gichuki, Collins Okoyo, Stella Kepha, Charles Mwandawiro, Regina Kandie, Philip Bejon, Robert W. Snow, Lynette Isabella Ochola-Oyier
Summary: Molecular surveillance is crucial for tracking antimalarial resistance, and this study revealed new mutations and resistance trends in Plasmodium falciparum parasites in Kenya. The research provides valuable insights into drug sensitivity and resistance patterns.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Beatrice Amboko, Kasia Stepniewska, Beatrice Machini, Philip Bejon, Robert W. Snow, Dejan Zurovac
Summary: This study examined the factors associated with compliance levels of outpatient malaria 'test and treat' guidelines in Kenyan health facilities. The results showed that geographical factors, institutional ownership, health workers' perception of malaria, supervision with feedback, access to guidelines, and patient symptoms were all factors that influenced compliance. To optimize outpatient malaria case-management, it is important to improve compliance in low-risk areas, ensure the availability of testing and treatment commodities, strengthen health workers' knowledge through training, and provide ongoing supervision and feedback.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Brian Greenwood, Issaka Zongo, Alassane Dicko, Daniel Chandramohan, Robert W. Snow, Christian Ockenhouse
Summary: People in areas with moderate or high malaria prevalence gradually acquire immunity to malaria through repeated exposure. When effective malaria control measures are reduced or withdrawn, there is a risk of rebound malaria, especially if an effective malaria vector remains. This paper discusses the occurrence of delayed malaria and suggests potential measures for reducing its impact.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Manuela Runge, Sumaiyya G. Thawer, Fabrizio Molteni, Frank Chacky, Sigsbert Mkude, Renata Mandike, Robert W. Snow, Christian Lengeler, Ally Mohamed, Emilie Pothin
Summary: Mathematical modelling was used in Tanzania to support the revision of the national malaria strategic plan, helping to select intervention measures based on different risk levels and making predictions on their impact. The simulated revised plan is expected to achieve a slightly lower malaria prevalence in 2020.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Alice Kamau, Moses Musau, Grace Mtanje, Christine Mataza, Philip Bejon, Robert W. Snow
Summary: This study examined the impact of long-lasting insecticide-treated net (LLIN) use on the prevalence of malaria infections in the Kenyan coastal area. The results showed that LLIN use significantly reduced malaria infections in all age groups.
TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Alice Kamau, Moses Musau, Stella Mwakio, David Amadi, Amek Nyaguara, Philip Bejon, Anna C. Seale, James A. Berkley, Robert W. Snow
Summary: In an area with high levels of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) resistance on the Kenyan coast, intermittent preventive treatment for pregnant women with SP continues to be associated with a reduced risk of low birthweight deliveries and stillbirths.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Peter M. Macharia, Nicolas Ray, Caroline W. Gitonga, Robert W. Snow, Emanuele Giorgi
Summary: This paper proposes a modeling framework to overcome the limitations of standard geostatistical methods in mapping disease prevalence. It takes into account the uncertainty in the residence location of students. The study shows that invalid assumptions on the modes of travel to school can affect the predictive performance of geostatistical models.
SPATIAL STATISTICS
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Sumaiyya G. Thawer, Monica Golumbeanu, Khalifa Munisi, Sijenunu Aaron, Frank Chacky, Samwel Lazaro, Ally Mohamed, Noela Kisoka, Christian Lengeler, Fabrizio Molteni, Amanda Ross, Robert W. Snow, Emilie Pothin
Summary: This paper describes the process of using routine data to develop a high-resolution, micro-stratification risk map in mainland Tanzania for guiding malaria control efforts. By combining various indicators and using school children's prevalence as a benchmark, the study stratified wards into four malaria risk groups, revealing heterogeneity and identifying areas for targeted interventions.
Editorial Material
Pediatrics
Samuel Akech, Titus Kwambai, Matthew O. Wiens, Arjun Chandna, James A. Berkley, Robert W. Snow
LANCET CHILD & ADOLESCENT HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Geography
Peter M. Macharia, Angela K. Moturi, Eda Mumo, Emanuele Giorgi, Emelda A. Okiro, Robert W. Snow, Nicolas Ray
Summary: Understanding the location of schools relative to the population they serve is important for planning school catchment areas and assessing travel time. This study used a spatio-temporal database to calculate travel time to the nearest school and define school catchment areas in Kenya. The results showed an increase in the number of primary schools and a reduction in average travel time between 2009 and 2020. Nationally, 89% of school-going children were within a 24-minute catchment area.
CHILDRENS GEOGRAPHIES
(2023)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Emanuele Giorgi, Claudio Fronterre, Peter M. Macharia, Victor A. Alegana, Robert W. Snow, Peter J. Diggle
Summary: This paper provides statistical guidance on model-based geostatistical methods for disease prevalence mapping, illustrating the different stages of analysis through a case study on malaria mapping in Tanzania. It distinguishes between predictive and explanatory modelling, proposes a method for detecting over-fitting, and introduces the concept of domain effects for variable selection and model validation. The statistical ideas presented are widely applicable to regression models for epidemiological outcomes, with particular relevance to geostatistical models.
JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY INTERFACE
(2021)
