Control Policies and Interventions Focusing on Malaria in Pregnancy

Malaria is a widespread parasitic disease, with serious implications in pregnancy. To provide an overview of studies on interventions aimed at malaria control for pregnant women, the literature was searched for available studies published in the last 40 years, according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Studies relaying control policies and interventions focusing on pregnancy were selected. The vast majority of studies (79.2%) were conducted in Africa. Only 5.5% of the studies were performed in the Americas, mainly in South America. Key issues presented dealt with: careseeking behavior, access to treatment, prevention and treatment, beliefs, perceptions and practices by patients and health professionals. The studies point to the need for prenatal monitoring, development of educational interventions for the general population and for health professionals, regular supply of essential medicines, and knowledge of health professionals' and patients' attitudes and beliefs concerning malaria. Because pharmacological interventions are the most effective strategy for combating the disease, the development of safe, effective and affordable drugs that are acceptable to pregnant women is imperative. Adequate training and encouragement for adherence to treatment guidelines by health professionals both deserve special attention.