Control and Prevention

Prevention is an important component of malaria control in endemic countries. It is achieved through: 

• vector control

• personal protection measures such as insecticide-treated bed nets

•  preventive treatment with antimalarial drugs of vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, who receive intermittent preventive treatment.

 

The goal of malaria control in malaria-endemic countries is to reduce as much as possible the health impact of malaria on a population, using the resources available, and taking into account other health priorities.

Malaria control does not aim to eliminate malaria totally. Complete elimination of the malaria parasite (and thus the disease) would constitute eradication. While eradication is more desirable, it is not currently a realistic goal for most of the countries where malaria is endemic.

Malaria control is carried out through the following interventions, which are often combined:

•  Case management diagnosis and treatment of patients suffering from malaria

• Prevention of infection through vector control

• Prevention of disease by administration of antimalarial drugs to particularly vulnerable population groups such as pregnant women and infants.