Malaria, HIV and sickle cell disease in Ghana Towards tailor-made interventions

Ghana has made many strides in the fight against malaria. This research looked at the contribution of malaria transmission heterogeneity to malaria, and the effect of geographical overlap between malaria, HIV and sickle cell disease. Our systematic review of the interactions between HIV and SCD showed that whilst HIV worsens SCD, SCD slows the progression of HIV to AIDS.
Malaria transmission dynamics in the Kwahu highlands in the Eastern region of Ghana were documented with the prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum and non-falciparum infections in both symptomatic and asymptomatic residents. Haemoglobin AC was associated with higher risk for asymptomatic malaria. And pyrethroid-resistant mosquitoes with West-African knock-down resistant mutation (kdr-w) were present.
Extension of the study to people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) indicated that though co-trimoxazole (CTX) prophylaxis are given to patients at the anti-retroviral clinic, according to national policy, there was no significant associations between CTX and malaria episodes retrospectively.
Diagnostically, an HRP2-based malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) was comparable to PCR gold standard. However, few false negatives detected did not test positive for the pfhrp2 gene.
In a knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) study of PLHA, those in the rural area were less informed of malaria and its preventive measures than those in the urban areas; which was associated with increased odds for malaria. The common practice in both areas was the low use of insecticide treated mosquito nets even though many people owned them.
Further focus on these may help in the exponential decline of malaria in Ghana.