Bibliographic information
GuidelineGuidelines for the treatment of malaria
Year of Publication2015
Issuing InstitutionWorld Health Organization
Recommendation
New
All cases of suspected malaria should have a parasitological test (microscopy or rapid diagnostic test (RDT)) to confirm the diagnosis. Both microscopy and RDTs should be supported by a quality assurance programme
Notes and Remarks
- 1)Prompt, accurate diagnosis of malaria is part of effective disease management.
- 2)All patients with suspected malaria should be treated on the basis of a confirmed diagnosis by microscopy examination or RDT testing of a blood sample.
- 3)Correct diagnosis in malaria-endemic areas is particularly important for the most vulnerable population groups, such as young children and non-immune populations, in whom falciparum malaria can be rapidly fatal.
- 4)High specificity will reduce unnecessary treatment with antimalarial drugs and improve the diagnosis of other febrile illnesses in all settings.