Evaluation of the operational capacity of first-line health facilities in the management of malaria in Ivory coast

Introduction: do health facilities (HF) have basic resources needed to manage malaria? The purpose of our study was to analyze the operational capacity (OC) of first-line health facilities in Ivory Coast in the management of malaria. Methods: SARA methodology was used to conduct a descriptive cross-sectional study from 10 to 30 July 2016. The operational capacity in the management showed an average availability of 9 identification tracers divided in 3 areas: (i) staff and guidelines; (ii) capacity of diagnosis; (iii) drugs and products. This operational capacity was assessed through the calculation of an index and then compared with the health facilities according to the management authority and the geographical area using Chi-square test with p-values α fixed at 0.05. Results: out of 818 HFs, 651(79.6%) were in the public sector and 487(59.5%) were located in the rural area. The operational capacity of first line health facilities was 74.5%. This OC was higher in the public sector (81.3%) than in the private sector (48.8%) (p < 10-3) as well as in the rural area (82.7%) compared to the urban area (62.9%) (p < 10-3). Conclusion: in 2016, first line health facilities in Ivory Coast had basic resources needed to manage malaria. It is necessary to focus on the need to strengthen health facility services in addition to prevention.