NL study makes malaria diagnosis breakthrough

Radio Netherlands Worldwide, 16 November 2009 - 3:47pm

Regions of the world affected by malaria (Wikimedia)

Dutch researchers say they have found a relatively cheap way to cut the number of malaria deaths in Brazil. The new method could save 150,000 lives a year.

Scientists from the University of Twente working with technicians from electronics firm Philips were commissioned by the Brazilian government to carry out research on malaria diagnosis. The team studied diagnostic methods which doctors are able to use on location.

Malaria is one of the world’s most devastating diseases, claiming 1.5 million lives each year. The disease is a huge health risk in Brazil, and at present it is often misdiagnosed. While false positives lead to patients receiving unnecessary and expensive medication, other malaria cases are missed and patients die for lack of treatment.

The Dutch scientists evaluated two different diagnostic systems. They concluded that using the more effective of the two, 80 percent of people could be given access to diagnosis, compared to the present 31 percent for an investment of 16 million euros. The other system would save a third fewer lives and cost six million euros more.