# The risks of exclusive reliance on rapid diagnostic tests for malaria in Angola

## TL;DR

Angola's heavy use of rapid malaria tests misses important details, so better methods like microscopy and molecular diagnostics are needed.

## Contribution

Highlights the limitations of rapid diagnostic tests and advocates for integrating more accurate diagnostic methods in Angola.

## Key findings

- Rapid diagnostic tests in Angola limit species identification and parasite quantification.
- Strengthening microscopy and molecular diagnostics is essential for better clinical and surveillance outcomes.
- Exclusive reliance on rapid tests may hinder detection of emerging resistance.

## Abstract

Malaria remains a major burden in Angola, where reliance on rapid diagnostic tests limits species identification and parasite quantification. Strengthening microscopy and integrating molecular diagnostics are essential to improve clinical management, surveillance capacity, and detection of emerging resistance.