Strategies for Improving the Diagnosis and Prevention of Malaria During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Africa

Abstract

The African continent is a known malaria-endemic region. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, COVID-19/malaria co-infection is of critical importance in Africa due to the similarities in the manifestation of their symptoms. To avert compromising the health status of individuals on the African continent during the COVID-19 pandemic, this commentary sought to examine the link between COVID-19 and malaria, outlining strategies for improving the diagnosis and prevention of COVID-19 and malaria in Africa. A scale-up of malaria-focused care should be considered to ensure adequate reporting of COVID-19 cases in Africa. Likewise, individuals who present for malarial testing should be linked to COVID-19 testing and treatment care in Africa. Also, surveillance activities should be scaled up to ensure accurate COVID-19 case reporting and improved case notification. Regular refresher trainings should be organized for healthcare workers to promote healthcare service delivery.