Programme level implementation of malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) use: outcomes and cost of training health workers at lower level health care facilities in Uganda

Authors: Daniel J Kyabayinze, Carol Asiimwe, Damalie Nakanjako, Jane Nabakooza, Moses Bajabayite, Clare Strachan, James K Tibenderana, Jean-Pierre Van Geetruydan

The training of health workers in the use of malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) is an important component of a wider strategy to improve parasite-based malaria diagnosis at lower level health care facilities (LLHFs) where microscopy is not readily available for all patients with suspected malaria. This study describes the process and cost of training to attain competence of lower level health workers to perform malaria RDTs in a public health system setting in eastern Uganda. The study concludes that one-day training on the use of RDTs successfully provided adequate skill and competency among health workers to perform RDTs in fever case management at LLHF in a Uganda setting.

Citation: Malaria Journal, 2012; 12: 291.