[Management of malaria in Togolese communities]

The objective of this study was to collect community basis data on prevention and home management of malaria for the future assessment of "Roll Back Malaria", the new world strategy of fighting against malaria. The study was carried out in 3 districts in Togo. Mothers were questioned about the quality of home management of uncomplicated malaria on 951 children aged under 5. Fathers were questioned about the use of mosquito bed nets in 597 households, and 246 women were interviewed about the prevention of malaria during pregnancy. Home management of children under treatment was correct in only 38.1% of cases and the drug observance was followed by only 35.4% of patients. Mosquito nets were used in 30.5% of households and only 16.5% were treated with insecticides. Only 22.7% of children under 5 slept under mosquito nets. 80% women made at least one antenatal visit and 74.4% received regular malaria chemoprophylaxis. Many efforts should be made in Togo to increase the quality of home management of malaria and the use of insecticide-treated bed nets.