Effectiveness of Artemether-Lumefantrine for Malaria Treatment of Children at Community Level in Tanzania

Effectiveness of Artemether-Lumefantrine Treatment Provided by Community Health Worker Against Uncomplicated Malaria in Children Under 5 Years of Age in Tanzania

The purpose of this clinical trial is to assess the effectiveness of artemether-lumefantrine (Coartem®) treatment provided by community health workers against uncomplicated malaria in children under 5 years of age in Kibaha District, Tanzania, during an extended follow-up of 42 days. The hypothesis is that artemether-lumefantrine treatment provided by community health workers will result in less than 85% PCR-corrected parasitological effectiveness by day 42, mainly due to partial non-compliance to full standard 6-dose regimen of the drug.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Aged <5 years
2. Weight >5 kg
3. Suffering from acute uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria confirmed by RDT. Later microscopy using Giemsa-stained thick film will be made to ensure asexual parasite density of 2000 to 200 000 parasites/µL
4. Having a history of fever in the preceding 24 h
5. Able to ingest tablets orally
6. Willing and able to attend stipulated follow-up visits
7. With written informed consent from parent/guardian for children to participate in the trial.

Exclusion Criteria:

Presenting with any of the following "danger signs of severe malaria":

1. Convulsions (>1 episode within previous 24 hours)
2. Lethargic/unconscious