ArticleFrontiers in public health2025
Evaluating ECAMM-based training efficacy for malaria microscopists in Hunan Province, China.
Article in Frontiers in public health, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.
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3 citing papers in PubMed.
- Development of human resources in malaria microscopy during and after the malaria elimination phase in China.Scientific reports · 2026Article
- Article
- Diagnostic delay inducing severe imported falciparum malaria: a time-sensitivity comparison of two imported cases during COVID-19 co-circulation.Malaria journal · 2025Article
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Authors and funding
8 authors.
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Abstract
Background: The rapid and accurate diagnosis of malaria has contributed to China's remarkable achievement in malaria elimination. In the post-elimination phase, microscopic examination remains crucial for preventing the reintroduction of imported malaria. This study developed and validated a 4-day external competency assessment training program for malaria microscopists based on the External Competency Assessment for Malaria Microscopists (ECAMM) framework, to enhance diagnostic proficiency among laboratory personnel in public health institutions. Methods: Course design, blood smear selection, evaluation methods, and scoring criteria strictly adhered to WHO guidelines. Participants underwent one pre-training test and four post-training assessments involving 48 blood smears to evaluate diagnostic accuracy in qualitative identification and species differentiation. A comprehensive analysis was conducted on training needs, skill improvement trajectories, diagnostic error patterns, competency predictors, and participant satisfaction. 24 participants from public health institutions across 14 prefecture-level jurisdictions in Hunan Province completed the program with heterogeneous performance outcomes. Results: 75% of participants had received no formal malaria microscopy training in the preceding 5 years. Post-training assessments demonstrated significant improvements: negative smear recognition accuracy increased by 29.86%, positive smear identification by 25.52%, and species differentiation accuracy by 48.96%. The predominant diagnostic error was interspecies confusion, notably the misidentification of Conclusion: This external capacity assessment training program effectively enhanced short-term malaria microscopy proficiency. We propose institutionalizing this model as a national certification program to maintain diagnostic competency through regular training and quality monitoring, particularly targeting primary healthcare facilities at the township level.
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