Implementation of malaria control programmes during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Southern African Development Community Elimination 8 countries: A scoping review

Abstract

Background: Malaria is one of the communicable diseases affecting the whole world. The World Health Organization (WHO) African Region is the most affected, with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Malaria Elimination 8 (E8) countries accounting for 90% and 95% of the cases, respectively. The WHO tasked the SADC Malaria E8 countries to eliminate malaria by 2030, yet the COVID-19 pandemic response disrupted health programmes.
Aim: The review aims to map and synthesise the evidence on malaria control programmes during the COVID-19 pandemic in the SADC E8 countries to identify gaps, inform policy, enhance planning for future pandemics and promote the attainment of the SADC 2030 Malaria E8 goal.
Method: The reviewers conducted this review using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology. The population, concept and context (PCC) guided inclusion and exclusion criteria. Information relevant to the review questions was extracted using data extraction tools.
Results: Of the 658 articles retrieved, only 7 met the inclusion criteria. Half of the publications were done in 2021, and nothing was published in 2020. The publishers were predominantly public health experts.
Conclusion: There is limited research on the malaria programmes during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Malaria E8 countries.
Contribution: The review brings out the need for research on the topic, policies that promote the continuation of malaria programmes during a pandemic and the employment of coping strategies.