Overview
This epidemiology study is planned to run in parallel with the EPI-MAL-002 and EPI-MAL-003 studies, enrolling from the same health and demographic surveillance system (HDSS) (or equivalent system) populations. The co-primary objectives are to produce longitudinal estimates of parasite prevalence in humans, and record malaria control measures usage in areas where EPI-MAL-002 and EPI-MAL-003 studies will take place.
Description
This study will involve up to 10 annual cross sectional surveys during malaria peak transmission with possible further extension, dependent on the duration of the EPI-MAL-002 and EPI-MAL-003 studies. Surveys will provide point estimates of parasite prevalence and subsequently a longitudinal assessment of the level of endemicity in each area covered by EPI-MAL-002 and EPI-MAL-003. This study will be conducted in parallel to EPI-MAL-002 and EPI-MAL-003 in order to assess parasite prevalence and malaria control measures before (EPI-MAL-002) and after (EPI-MAL-003) vaccine introduction.
By taking into account variations in malaria transmission intensity (MTI) and malaria control intervention coverage, it will enable a more complete assessment of the benefits and risks of the vaccine introduction, and thereby more insight into the potential vaccine impact in EPI-MAL-002/-003, by adjusting incidence data for overall changes in transmission and other malaria control intervention coverage, and assist generalisation of results to other populations.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Subjects' whose parent(s)/Legally Acceptable Representative(s) [LAR(s)], in the opinion of the investigator, can and will comply with the requirements of the protocol.
- A male or female 6 months to <10 years of age at the time of survey.
- Signed informed consent or thumb-printed and witnessed informed consent obtained from the parent(s)/LAR(s) of the child.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Child in care.
- Current active participation in any trial involving administration of an investigational malaria vaccine or malaria drug.