Malaria risk stratification in Lao PDR guides program planning in an elimination setting
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Published:2024-01-19
Issue:1
Volume:14
Page:
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ISSN:2045-2322
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Container-title:Scientific Reports
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language:en
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Short-container-title:Sci Rep
Author:
Vilay Phoutnalong,Dunn Julia C.,Sichanthongthip Odai,Reyburn Rita,Butphomvihane Phonephet,Phiphakavong Vilaisak,Amratia Punam,Hahm Mary,Phongchantha Vilayphone,Chanthavisouk Chitsavang,Khamlome Boualam,Chindavongsa Keobouphaphone,Banouvong Virasack,Shortus Matthew
Abstract
AbstractMalaria in Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) has declined rapidly over the last two decades, from 279,903 to 3926 (99%) cases between 2001 and 2021. Elimination of human malaria is an achievable goal and limited resources need to be targeted at remaining hotspots of transmission. In 2022, the Center of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology (CMPE) conducted an epidemiological stratification exercise to assign districts and health facility catchment areas (HFCAs) in Lao PDR based on malaria risk. The stratification used reported malaria case numbers from 2019 to 2021, risk maps derived from predictive modelling, and feedback from malaria staff nationwide. Of 148 districts, 14 were deemed as burden reduction (high risk) districts and the remaining 134 as elimination (low risk) districts. Out of 1235 HFCAs, 88 (7%) were classified as highest risk, an improvement from 187 (15%) in the last stratification in 2019. Using the HFCA-level stratification, the updated stratification resulted in the at-risk population (total population in Strata 2, 3 and 4 HFCAs) declining from 3,210,191 to 2,366,068, a 26% decrease. CMPE are using the stratification results to strengthen targeting of resources. Updating national stratifications is a necessary exercise to assess progress in malaria control, reassign interventions to the highest risk populations in the country and ensure greatest impact of limited resources.
Funder
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Multidisciplinary
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