A comparative analysis of the outcome of malaria case surveillance strategies in Sri Lanka in the prevention of re‐establishment phase

Abstract Background Sri Lanka sustained its malaria-free status by implementing, among other interventions, three core case detection strategies namely Passive Case Detection (PCD), Reactive (RACD) and Proactive (PACD). The outcomes of these were analysed in terms their effectiveness detecting malaria infections for the period from 2017 to 2019. Methods Comparisons made between surveillance methods years, based on data obtained national database individual reports patients. number blood smears examined microscopically was used as measure volume tests conducted. yield each method calculated proportion which positive malaria. Within RACD PACD, sub categories travel cohorts spatial ascertained Results A total 158 cases reported 2017–2019. During this 666,325 725,149 annually. PCD detected 95.6 %, with a 16.1 per 100,000 examined. PACD produced 11.2 0.3, respectively. screening category very high being 806.5 44.9 smears, Despite over half within both zero all years. Conclusions arm is most effective and, therefore, has continue be further strengthened mainstay surveillance. Focus should even greater. Screening cohorts, routine basis solely because people are resident previously malarious areas, may wasteful, except situations where risk local transmission high, or imminent. These findings apply more broadly countries post-elimination phase.