Premium
Report: Malaria in Meru declines due to accurate diagnosis
Cases of malaria in hospitals in Meru County have significantly declined in the last five years due to more accurate diagnosis. Data from the county health department shows that in 2016, 38, 000 cases of malaria were diagnosed, down from more than 200, 000 cases diagnosed between 2011 and 2013. PHOTO | FILE
What you need to know:
- As a result of proper diagnosis, Meru County significantly reduced expenditure on anti-malarial drugs. In 2015, the county engaged a Canada-based healthcare information technology service provider, Fio Corporation, to improve diagnosis, treatment and record keeping. The technology dubbed Fionet system is being touted as a solution to misdiagnosis and lack of relevant data required for development of health policies.
- “In the pilot project we targeted testing for HIV, malaria and other ailments. Previously 32 per cent of all patients treated in our facilities were diagnosed with malaria. But where we have used the technology cases of malaria diagnosis have dropped to less than one percent.
Cases of malaria in hospitals in Meru County have significantly declined in the last five years due to more accurate diagnosis.
Data from the county health department shows that in 2016, 38, 000 cases of malaria were diagnosed, down from more than 200, 000 cases diagnosed between 2011 and 2013.
