ASD - PAKISTAN

Malaria microscopy external quality assurance in Pakistan .

The national strategy for malaria control relies on a network of laboratories that provide macroscopic examination of blood smears. The quality of diagnosis depends on the status of implementation of External Quality Assurance (EQA) programme of laboratories. District level quality control of malaria microscopy, through a countrywide network of more than 1,000 diagnostic centres, is a priority challenge being faced by the National Malaria Control Programme (NMC). This study developed and tested two district level EQA options for malaria microscopy in four selected districts, where malaria case management was strengthened through COMDIS support. The tow EQA options evaluated were: a) Integrated approach i.e. Senior Malaria/CDC Microscopist (DLS) responsible solely for EQA of malaria microscopy. The study has been implemented in partnership with the NMC and Reference Laboratories. A method-mix approach has been used to achieve the study objectives. The study developed a field tested guidelines and training materials for EQA programme. The study findings would be a basis for developing context sensitive district level operational arrangements for quality control of malaria microscopy in Pakistan. The dissemination of the experiences to other neighbouring countries is planned in order to evolve their strategies for district level EQA of malaria microscopy.