A suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 should also receive a malaria test in areas where malaria is endemic.
So, what, and how do we now deal with two similar diseases COVID-19, caused by a virus, and Malaria, caused by a parasite principally in the interior of the country; and as reported of the case in Lethem, among those who travel to and from the interior and can spread COVID-19?
That person could help ensure a rapid response to patients with malaria prevention and management in areas affected by malaria and possibly COVID-19.
Additionally, there should be an estimated number of tests and treatment needed, Chloroquine and Primaquine for confirmed P. vivax malaria cases and of Coartem (Artemether-Lumefantrine) and Primaquine for treatment of P. falciparum.
The recommendation from WHO and CDC is that priority for a COVID-19 test be given to older adults and people of any age group who have serious underlying medical conditions, inter alia, persons on treatment for cancer; those with chronic lung conditions; severe asthma; diabetes, chronic kidney and liver disease etc.
