Malaria treatment, compliance and cure in Gandhinagar, Gujarat

Abstract

Early diagnosis and complete treatment are the most important components of the malaria con trol program, which have a direct bearing on prevention of mortality and reduction in the morbidity, therefore, follow-up of the patient treatment is an important aspect of monitoring disease in the community. Aims: To assess treat ment compliance among confirmed malaria cases in Gandhinagar District and to determine the proportion of cure rate with complete treatment as per the national drug policy. Study Variables: Exploratory-rural and urban areas; outcome- compliance, cure rate. Analysis: Percentage, proportions. Results: Compliance among 192 subjects under the study conducted in 2008 i . e . confirmed that malaria cases were 88% even after the introduction of 14 day therapy for “ Plasmodium vivax ” cases, while 100% cure rate was observed on the follow-up till the 28th day among “ P . vivax ” and “ P . falciparum ” cases which helped in reducing malaria incidence in the rural area by 50% as compared to the preceding year of the study. Conclusion: Follow-up of the treatment given to malaria patients has enhanced compliance and cure rate, which in turn contributed towards interruption of transmission. Therefore, a better cure rate through the administration of effective antimalarial drugs as per the drug policy in combination with other containment measures is the right strategy to keep morbidity and mortality due to malaria under effective control.