AUTHOR=Morlino Colette , Byrne Isabel , Achan Jane , Baraka Vito , Barry Aissata , Bousema Teun , Camara Alioune , Chacky Frank , Chico R. Matthew , Clarke Sian E. , Collins Katharine A. , Dagnon Seynude Jean-Fortune , Diallo Ousmane , Doumbia Seydou , Gerardin Jaline , Hein Denise , Lusasi Abdallah S. , Maiteki-Sebuguzi Catherine , Makenga Geofrey , Mokuolu Olugbenga A. , Mwenyango Irene , Nabakooza Jane , Ogbulafor Nnenna , Penny Melissa A. , Sadou Aboubacar , Staedke Sarah G. , Tchouatieu André Marie , Tiono Alfred B. , Toure Mahamoudou , Van geertruyden Jean-Pierre , Van Hulle Suzanne , Worrall Eve , Yaro Jean-Baptiste Bibié , Drakeley Chris , Cohee Lauren M. 

TITLE=Barriers to uptake and implementation of malaria chemoprevention in school-aged children: a stakeholder engagement meeting report

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Tropical Diseases

VOLUME=Volume 6 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/tropical-diseases/articles/10.3389/fitd.2025.1480907

DOI=10.3389/fitd.2025.1480907

ISSN=2673-7515

ABSTRACT=Malaria is a leading cause of death in school-aged children in sub-Saharan Africa, and non-fatal chronic malaria infections are associated with anaemia, school absence and decreased learning, preventing children from reaching their full potential. Malaria chemoprevention has led to substantial reductions in malaria in younger children in sub-Saharan Africa. In 2022, the WHO updated its recommendations for chemoprevention to older, school-aged children where epidemiologically indicated. To date, there has been limited uptake of these policies which include both extending the age of seasonal malaria chemoprevention in seasonal transmission settings and providing intermittent preventive treatment to school-aged children in perennial transmission settings. In April 2024, a stakeholder meeting was convened in Kigali, Rwanda, to analyse barriers to implementation of malaria chemoprevention targeting school-aged children. Key evidence gaps were identified and needs for coordination and advocacy were highlighted.