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Malaria Journal
Published in: Malaria Journal 1/2009

Open Access 01-12-2009 | Review

The use of schools for malaria surveillance and programme evaluation in Africa

Authors: Simon Brooker, Jan H Kolaczinski, Carol W Gitonga, Abdisalan M Noor, Robert W Snow

Published in: Malaria Journal | Issue 1/2009

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Abstract

Effective malaria control requires information on both the geographical distribution of malaria risk and the effectiveness of malaria interventions. The current standard for estimating malaria infection and impact indicators are household cluster surveys, but their complexity and expense preclude frequent and decentralized monitoring. This paper reviews the historical experience and current rationale for the use of schools and school children as a complementary, inexpensive framework for planning, monitoring and evaluating malaria control in Africa. Consideration is given to (i) the selection of schools; (ii) diagnosis of infection in schools; (iii) the representativeness of schools as a proxy of the communities they serve; and (iv) the increasing need to evaluate interventions delivered through schools. Finally, areas requiring further investigation are highlighted.
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Metadata
Title
The use of schools for malaria surveillance and programme evaluation in Africa
Authors
Simon Brooker
Jan H Kolaczinski
Carol W Gitonga
Abdisalan M Noor
Robert W Snow
Publication date
01-12-2009
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Malaria Journal / Issue 1/2009
Electronic ISSN: 1475-2875
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-2875-8-231

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