Voices from the Amazon: exploring implementor and user perceptions of non-invasive malaria diagnostics in Peru

Malaria burden remains high in some Peruvian regions, especially in the Northeast Amazon rainforest state of Loreto and the tropical coastal state of Tumbes. Novel non-invasive diagnostic tools for malaria are being developed, and formative research in malaria-endemic areas with community members and health professionals who would potentially use these devices is vital for this process. This study aimed to examine the acceptability and feasibility of four new non-invasive malaria diagnostic tools in development in two regions of Peru with significant malaria burden.

The research team conducted focus group discussions and key informant interviews in Spanish to assess acceptability and ascertain questions and concerns regarding the non-invasive diagnostic tools. Focus group discussions included a range of community members (pregnant women, parents), professionals (health, education), and community leaders in Loreto. Vector control authorities and health professionals from Loreto, Tumbes, and Lima participated as key informants.

Participants were initially enthusiastic about all non-invasive diagnostic tools. However, as discussions proceeded, high enthusiasm remained for two devices that were easy to use, acceptable for the communities they were intended for, feasible to carry in remote areas, and did not require new supplies nor generate waste: the skin scan and the skin odour test. The breath and saliva tests were considered less hygienic. They were less acceptable to community members and health professionals due to concerns of disease transmission and other environmental and cultural concerns. Health professionals felt the finger scan test and the skin odour test would help triage community members in endemic sites and would be valuable in remote regions with difficult access to health facilities or laboratories.

Novel non-invasive malaria diagnostic tools can be valuable in malaria-endemic settings. As manufacturers evaluate the efficacy and effectiveness of these non-invasive diagnostic tools, international recommendations should be created to ensure their agile integration into national malaria programmes.