Assessment of Plasmodium falciparum Case-based Surveillance at the Two Major University Teaching Hospital South Western Nigeria. A Comparative Study

Guidelines focusing on National core indicators tools and methodology for monitoring and evaluating of Roll Back Malaria in Nigeria, in conformity with other countries in Africa region has been developed. Blood samples were collected from the fingers pricked of 200 patients (100 from each Hospital) who visited either of the two university teaching hospital (Obafemi Awolowo University (OAUTHC) and university college hospital (UCH), Nigeria). Malarial diagnostic testing was done where P. falciparum antigen were detected using Rapid Test Kit (Germany) agglutination assay followed by microscopy. All data generated was presented with Chi-square description Statistical Analysis using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 15.0 for windows. Difference were shown to be statistically significant where p<0.05 in the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex, Ile-Ife (OAUTHC). Out of 100 patients studied in the OAUTHC, higher infection rate observed among age group <20 years (71.4%), followed by 20-30 years (18.2%) and less than 40 years (16.7%). The prevalence rate increased among male which constituted 23 (49.2%). Non-drug compliance individuals comprised of 7 (57.1%). At the UCH, 12 positive results were recorded out of 100 patients tested. Higher infection rate was observed among age group 20 (19%), 20-30 (13%), >40 (4.0%), the prevalence rate increased among female which contributed 9 (12.2%). Non-drug compliance individuals 27 (11.1%). To speed progress towards our global malaria goals, there is need for advocating new and improved malaria-fighting tools. Greater investments are needed in the development of new vector control interventions, improved diagnostics and more effective medicines