Feasibility and acceptability of rapid diagnostic testing for malaria in the context of home management of malaria in Tanzania

Objective

The objective of this study is to determine the cost-effectiveness of utilising community volunteers to diagnose malaria using RDTs.   

Progress

The start of the project was delayed  because of problems in obtaining ethical clearance. A baseline study was conducted in February 2012 in 8 villages in  Pangani district, Tanzania. In general, mothers were supportive of malaria treatment being given by community health workers although some had concerns over their qualifications. Many mothers  already had some experience of RDTs in the diagnosis of malaria and HIV infection.

Status: An intervention study which evaluating how effectively community volunteers can use RDTs commenced in Septemeber 2012.