National Reference Centre for Malaria (NZMa)
The National Reference Centre for Malaria (NZMa) provides reference diagnostics for malaria and confirmatory diagnostics for other non-endemic parasitic diseases on behalf of the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH), as part of the surveillance concept for notifiable infectious diseases.
The surveillance of malaria infections in Switzerland is crucial for evaluating the epidemiological situation and ensuring the provision of adequate prophylaxis and treatment.
The NZMa is also responsible for the specific surveillance of other non-endemic parasitic diseases, in order to detect such diseases, provide adequate prophylaxis and treatment, and prevent possible nationwide spread.
The NZMa is involved in all aspects of malaria diagnosis and acts as a reference laboratory for malaria. It is also actively engaged in developing and evaluating tests for malaria and other imported parasitic diseases. Furthermore, the NZMa advises and supports doctors and hospitals in the treatment of malaria patients.
The NZMa offers emergency malaria diagnostics and a 24-hour hotline for suspected malaria cases and emergencies, providing expert advice based on its decades of experience in diagnostics and research in this field.
Together with the Centre for Tropical and Travel Medicine at Swiss TPH, the Diagnostic Centre fulfils the NZMa's remit.
The tasks of the NZMa include:
- Reference diagnostics for malaria
- Confirmatory diagnosis and characterisation of human parasitoses
- Advice to laboratories, doctors and authorities on diagnosis and therapy
- Scientific advice, networking and teaching at international level
- Quality assurance and research in test development
Users of the NZMa:
- Hospitals and medical practices
- Microbiology laboratories
- Cantonal laboratories
