title: Prevention of congenital transmission of malaria in sub-saharan african countries: challenges and implications for health system strengthening.
abstract: Objectives. Review of burden of congenital transmission of malaria, challenges of preventive measures, and implications for health system strengthening in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods. Literature from Pubmed (MEDLINE), Biomed central, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Database were reviewed. Results. The prevalence of congenital malaria in sub-Saharan Africa ranges from 0 to 23%. Diagnosis and existing preventive measures are constantly hindered by weak health systems and sociocultural issues. WHO strategic framework for prevention: intermittent preventive therapy (IPT), insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), and case management of malaria illness and anaemia remain highly promising; though, specific interventions are required to strengthen the health systems in order to improve the effectiveness of these measures. Conclusion. Congenital malaria remains a public health burden in sub-Saharan Africa. Overcoming the challenges of the preventive measures hinges on the ability of national governments and development partners in responding to the weak health systems.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Policy and Management, Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine and University College Hospital, University of Ibadan, PMB 5017 General Post Office, 200212 Ibadan, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Kayode O
authors.initials: KO
authors.lastname: Osungbade
authors.forename: Olubunmi O
authors.initials: OO
authors.lastname: Oladunjoye