Standard operating protocol for malaria management

Abstract

Despite a decline in malaria-related deaths over the past two decades, the global malaria burden remains high, particularly in endemic low- and middle-income countries. This standard operating protocol outlines a simplified, evidence-based approach to rapid clinical decision-making for malaria, primarily based on WHO recommendations. Early diagnosis and severity assessment are essential for timely and appropriate treatment. All suspected cases should undergo parasitological confirmation with a peripheral smear or rapid diagnostic test before treatment initiation (except in suspected severe cases where testing is not immediately feasible). Artemisinin-based treatment remains the mainstay: oral artemisinin-based combination therapy for uncomplicated malaria and intravenous artesunate for severe cases, including pregnant women (all trimesters) and children. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase testing is not required for single-dose gametocytocidal primaquine, but is essential prior to radical cure with primaquine or tafenoquine.