Malaria Surveillance

Private-sector malaria data reporting to national surveillance systems is estimated at only 15.3% in West Africa. Incomplete integration of private-sector data creates a major blind spot in malaria case counts and weakens elimination strategies. Most national malaria surveillance systems in sub-Saharan Africa draw data mainly from government and faith-based facilities. The review examines current practices, barriers, facilitators, and evidence on malaria data reporting by community pharmacies and over-the-counter medicine sellers in sub-Saharan Africa. Robust real-time malaria case tracking is needed across public and private care-seeking points in sub-Saharan Africa.