Rapid, accurate and accessible detection of malaria parasites is important in the prevention and treatment of malaria. Malaria morbidity, mortality and transmission can be reduced if prompt diagnosis and adequate treatment is available. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) offer the potential to provide accurate and timely diagnosis to everyone at risk, reaching those previously unable to access good quality microscopy services. In malaria-endemic regions, the use of RDTs is very helpful for the effective use of anti-malarial drugs as treatment is based on parasite diagnosis and not just fever alone. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) offer the potential to provide accurate diagnosis to all at-risk populations for the first time, reaching those unable to access good quality microscopy services.
UNICEF has Long Term Arrangements with of suppliers for Malaria Rapid Diagnostics Kits, which are aligned with the WHO Malaria RDT Evaluation Processes. The overview of products that can be procured via UNICEF Supply Division can be found via the UNICEF Supply Catalogue (10 Diagnostic test kits, 07 Malaria test kits). It also provides information that is useful for supply chain planning, including product shelf lives and storage requirements and technical specifications identifying vital features. UNICEF procured over 8 million malaria rapid diagnostic test kits in 2009.
The WHO Guidance note for Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Tests, is meant to direct in the decision-making process for procurement of rapid diagnostic tests. Furthermore product selection is facilitated via the interactive web-based guide available from FIND.
