Background 

P. vivax malaria is a significant public health issue in Indonesia. One of the challenges in treating it is that the most effective drugs, such as primaquine, can cause severe side effects (hemolysis) in individuals with a genetic condition known as G6PD deficiency. Therefore, testing for G6PD deficiency before treatment is crucial to avoid these risks. However, the current health infrastructure in Indonesia lacks widespread access to G6PD testing. This project aims to optimize the placement and capacity of G6PD testing networks to ensure patients receive appropriate and safe malaria treatment.

 Study Design

The project uses Diagnostic Network Optimisation (DNO), which applies geospatial analysis to determine the optimal placement of G6PD testing centers based on patient demand. The study is conducted through the OptiDx open-access software platform, which models different scenarios for the placement of testing resources. Key factors in the model include:

• Travel distance for patients, with scenarios considering a 10 km, 15 km, or 20 km radius from testing centers.
• The cost of running the tests, including materials like reagents and operational costs of testing devices.
• Case data from three main regions, covering different malaria transmission patterns (endemic, low-endemic, and rare outbreaks).

Goal

This study aims to support Indonesia’s National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) by developing a data-driven strategy for introducing G6PD testing in key regions. This is achieved by ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently to maximize access to G6PD testing for patients at risk, particularly in areas where malaria is endemic.

Status

The project is currently in the final stages, with the team working on the write-up of the final report.