The growing incidence of neonatal malaria--a situational review in developing countries

Neonatal malaria was said to be a rare entity However there are increasing reports from many parts of the world about the occurrence of malaria in the newbom.

A review of the literature on this subject was done with emphasis on developing countries. Literature search was done using Medline, as well as local and international journals.

The reasons for earlier reported rarity of neonatal malaria, and those for the recent rising incidence are discussed along with diagnostic and management issues.

The physician must have a high index of suspicion to make a diagnosis of neonatal malaria, as the clinical features are non-specific and very similar to those of Neonatal sepsis. Neonatal malaria is a contributor to neonatal morbidity and mortality, which must be drastically reduced in order to achieve the fourth millennium development goal.