In regions where malaria transmission persists, the implementation of approaches aimed at eliminating parasites from the population can effectively decrease both burden of disease and transmission of infection. Thus, mass strategies that target symptomatic and asymptomatic infections at the same time may help countries to reduce transmission. This systematic review assessed the potential benefits and harms of mass testing and treatment (MTaT) to reduce malaria transmission.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAs countries approach elimination of malaria, groups with increased exposure to malaria vectors or poor access to health services may serve as important human reservoirs of infection that help maintain transmission in the community. Parasitological testing and treatment targeted to these groups may reduce malaria transmission overall. This systematic review assessed the effectiveness of targeted testing and treatment (TTaT) to reduce malaria transmission, the contextual factors, and the results of modeling studies that estimated the intervention's potential impact.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIn low- to very low-malaria transmission areas, most infections may be accrued within specific groups whose behaviors or occupations put them at increased risk of infection. If these infections comprise a large proportion of the reservoir of infection, targeting interventions to these groups could reduce transmission at the population level. We conducted a systematic review to assess the impact of providing antimalarials to groups of individuals at increased risk of malaria whose infections were considered to comprise a large proportion of the local reservoir of infections (targeted drug administration [TDA]).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAs countries approach malaria elimination, imported cases of malaria make up a larger proportion of all cases and may drive malaria transmission. Targeted test and treat (TTaT) at points of entry (POEs) is a strategy that aims to reduce the number of imported infections in countries approaching elimination by testing and treating individuals at border crossings. No evidence has been systematically collected and evaluated to assess the impact and operational feasibility of this strategy.
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