Malaria diagnosis in the community: Challenges and potential role of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) in the African Region.

At present, malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are widely available and used in parts of Asia and Latin America. In Africa, their use has been limited mainly to private health facilities. With the adoption of artemisinin combination therapies (ACTs) by most African countries as first line treatment for malaria, an effective, but expensive treatment is available, and the case for an expanded role for rapid diagnostics in the fight against malaria is clear. Despite this perceived potential role for RDTs, some challenges hinder their introduction and scale-up in the public health sector. Among the requirements are significant investments in policy development, training, infrastructure, and supply chain and quality assurance systems.