Title:
Identifying gaps between policy and practice in malaria control for South Sudanese refugees and displaced populations
Authors:
Suliman, Alfatih Osman Fatahalrhman
Year:
2014
PAGE:
88
Language:
En
Subject:
Health and Poverty
Keywords:
Sudan, Malaria, Refugee, Practices, Epidemiology, Guidelines
Abstract:
Background: Since 2011, and after the referendum the influx of displaced and refugees to South Sudan increased dramatically to more than 1.6 million. The general health situation deteriorated extensively. The displaced population resettled in regions known to be hyper-endemic with malaria, either internally or across the borders of the neighboring countries. Objective: To explore the actual malaria control practices among humanitarian health workers supporting refugees and displaced populations from South Sudan in the neighboring countries. Method: A literature review was conducted, to compare the national malaria guidelines from South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Uganda, in addition to interagency and UNHCR guidelines to the standard WHO guidelines. In addition to the literature review, an online survey was circulated to explore the actual practices and perceived knowledge of the humanitarian health worker about malaria epidemiology, prevention, case managements and the underlining factors for differences between the actual malaria control practices and the guidelines. Results: The epidemiological profile of malaria affecting the displaced population from South Sudan has similarities in the three countries and slight differences. The range of implemented preventive intervention are limited to ITNs and the low coverage and utilization rate and the obvious gap of other prevention measures. The case management practices are quite different, around 36% of the respondents treat malaria on clinical judgment without requesting the standard investigation tests. Conclusion: Malaria guidelines in South Sudan, Uganda, Ethiopia, INGOs and WHO are fairly similar. However, the actual malaria preventive interventions implemented are limited, in addition to discrepancies between the case management and standard guidelines.
Organization:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute
,
VU - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Institute:
KIT (Royal Tropical Institue)
Country:
Sudan, Republic of the
Region:
Northeastern Africa
Category:
Research
Right:
© 2014 Suliman
Document type:
Thesis/dissertation
File:
FGvgYVH6os_20161026105700936.pdf