William Brieger, MCHIP’s Senior Malaria Specialist, led a round table discussion at the 38th Annual International Conference on Global Health in Washington, DC about an assessment of the use of Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDT) for malaria in all three transmission-zones in Burkina Faso. The assessment resulted in some key concerns from this investment:
·        Improper storage of RDTs in some areas

·        RDTs were underutilized and not provided for children under five years old or adults who showed signs of “simple malaria”

·        Documentation and evaluation of use was done sporadically and informally

·        Though the staff were in favor of ideally using the RDTs, barriers for staff included having to purchase the gloves for testing, perceived length of time for the test, and sentiments that they are still in transition of starting to use RDTs.

Because of these concerns, MCHIP’s next steps will be to:
·        Integrate improved RDT use with in-service training in comprehensive malaria case management
·        Revising job aids
·        Stress the importance of storage and record keeping in training
·        Reinforce use through professional associations
·        Incorporate on-the-job RDT training and supervision

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