Malaria in children: current approaches to treatment and prevention

Malaria remains a global healthcare challenge, especially in children under the age of five, who continue to be disproportionately affected. Clinical presentation of malaria is non-specific, ranging from flu-like symptoms in mild cases to multi-organ failure in severe cases. Prompt diagnosis and treatment determine case outcomes. Patient and caregiver education about malaria prevention is the cornerstone of malaria management and requires an individualised approach. As the seasonal transmission of malaria in South Africa starts waning towards May and rising again in October, it is essential that healthcare workers be informed about the latest prevention and treatment strategies.