Six years surveillance of Plasmodium falciparum malaria among febrile patients reporting in Centre de Santé d’Okala, North West Gabon

Background : Malaria remains a threat to the health of the population of Gabon based on the high hospitalizations and deaths caused by this disease. This study aimed at determining the prevalence and associated risk factors of malaria in febrile patients visiting the Centre de Sante d’Okala (CSO). Methods : A six years study was conducted on febrile patients seeking for health services at the CSO from the year 2014 to 2019. Blood samples of 2388 patients were tested for antigens specific to Plasmodium falciparum using the Beacon® rapid diagnostic kit. Results : The overall prevalence of P. falciparum malaria was 29.857%. The year 2014 (35.553%) recorded the highest prevalence rate. Individuals from Okala (44.137%) community recorded the highest number of cases. Females (56.886%) had higher infection prevalence than their male (43.114%) counterparts. Children ≤ 10 years old (57.412%) had the highest prevalence rates than other age cohorts. Conclusions : The number of malaria cases reported in the CSO are currently increasing and community sensitisation on preventive measures against this disease is required inorder to flatten the curve of positive cases.