INNOVATIVE MALARIA SURVEILLANCE: FINDINGS FROM PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA USING A WEB-BASED SYSTEM

Malaria remains one of the leading public health challenges in Nigeria, with the country bearing the highest burden of the disease globally. Effective malaria elimination strategies depend heavily on the specificity and sensitivity of surveillance systems. This study aimed to investigate malaria transmission across an altitudinal gradient in Plateau State, central Nigeria, and assess the socio-demographic factors influencing malaria prevalence in both high and lowland communities. A total of 1,700 participants were surveyed from three communities in each of the highland and lowland regions. Data collected included demographic information such as age, gender, use of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs), pregnancy status in women, and malaria severity. Blood samples (4ml) were collected from participants using venipuncture, and malaria infection was diagnosed using microscopy (thick and thin blood smears) and Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) to identify Plasmodium species. Real-time geolocation data, along with socio-economic, health, and preventative status information, were collected using a proprietary application (ELDACAP). The results revealed that malaria prevalence was significantly higher in lowland areas compared to highland areas. Key predictors of malaria incidence included age, gender, ITN usage, and the presentation of symptoms. Non-users of ITNs exhibited a higher malaria prevalence than ITN users. Additionally, males were found to have a higher frequency of malaria positivity compared to females, and malaria was more prevalent among younger individuals than older ones. These findings highlight the importance of addressing geographic, cultural, and socio-economic factors in malaria control efforts. In order to achieve successful malaria eradication in North-Central Nigeria, interventions must account for geographic differences, variations in malaria awareness, and the role of asymptomatic carriers in maintaining transmission