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A qualitative exploration of malaria operational research situation in Nigeria

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  • IkeOluwapo O Ajayi
  • Maduka D Ughasoro
  • Akintayo Ogunwale
  • Oluwaseun Odeyinka
  • Obafemi Babalola
  • Salami Sharafadeen
  • Al-Mukhtar Y Adamu
  • Olufemi Ajumobi
  • Taiwo Orimogunje
  • Patrick Nguku

Abstract

Background: Malaria, remains one of the leading causes of high morbidity and mortality in Nigeria despite implementation of several public health interventions for its control. Operational limitations and methodological gaps have been associated with malaria control interventions and research, and these have necessitated the need for a well-tailored Malaria Operational Research (MOR) agenda. However, there is paucity of evidence-based information on relevant stakeholders’ experience, awareness, perceptions and use of MOR and suggestions on setting MOR agenda. As part of a larger study to provide data for national MOR agenda setting, we assessed the MOR research situation from the perspectives of key stakeholders in Nigeria and contribution of MOR to the malaria elimination agenda Methods: We conducted key informant interviews among 40 purposively selected stakeholders from the six geo-political zones in Nigeria. Data was collected using a pre-tested key informant interview guide which comprised issues related to experience, awareness, use of MOR and MOR needs, and suggestions for MOR. We conducted a detailed content analysis. Results: Half of the participants had participated in MOR. Participants perceived MOR as important. Only few were aware of existing framework for MOR in Nigeria while above half expressed that MOR is yet to be used to inform policy in Nigeria. Participants identified several MOR needs such as development of improved diagnostic techniques, and interventions for promoting early diagnosis, prompt treatment and quality programmatic data. Participants opined the need for country-specific prioritised MOR agenda that cut across malaria thematic areas including malaria prevention and case management. Participants suggested the involvement of various stakeholders and multi-disciplinary approach in setting MOR. Conclusion: Although some stakeholders have been involved in MOR, it is still rarely used to inform policy and several needs exist across thematic areas. A broad-based stakeholder involvement, multi-disciplinary approach to agenda setting and its wide dissemination have been suggested.

Suggested Citation

  • IkeOluwapo O Ajayi & Maduka D Ughasoro & Akintayo Ogunwale & Oluwaseun Odeyinka & Obafemi Babalola & Salami Sharafadeen & Al-Mukhtar Y Adamu & Olufemi Ajumobi & Taiwo Orimogunje & Patrick Nguku, 2017. "A qualitative exploration of malaria operational research situation in Nigeria," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 12(11), pages 1-14, November.
  • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0188128
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0188128
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. The malERA Consultative Group on Health Systems and Operational Research, 2011. "A Research Agenda for Malaria Eradication: Health Systems and Operational Research," PLOS Medicine, Public Library of Science, vol. 8(1), pages 1-10, January.
    2. The malERA Refresh Consultative Panel on Health Systems and Policy Research, 2017. "malERA: An updated research agenda for health systems and policy research in malaria elimination and eradication," PLOS Medicine, Public Library of Science, vol. 14(11), pages 1-15, November.
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