[Characterization of the national malaria diagnostic network, Colombia, 2006-2010]

[[[ Introduction: ]]] The implementation and development of activities of the quality assurance system of malaria diagnosis, allows the adequate operation of the national diagnostic network, needed to strengthen prevention and control actions of this important public health problem. [[[ Objective: ]]] To characterize the malaria diagnosis network in Colombia between 2006 and 2010. [[[ Materials and methods: ]]] A retrospective study was made by reviewing the annual reports of malaria diagnosis network activities that were sent by the Public Health Laboratories (PHL) between 2006 and 2010. The study included analysis of diagnostic coverage in population at risk and an evaluation of activities and training to the people responsible for malaria diagnosis. [[[ Results: ]]] Malaria diagnostic coverage has increased in Colombia, from 53% of municipalities covered in 2006 to 80% in 2010. The number of places that perform diagnosis increased by 31% with a significant increase, for the same period, of the number of microscopists (56%) and laboratories (30%), to 1,195 and 1,780 respectively, registered in 2010. During the period of study, the percentage of PHL that carried out at least 3 of the activities of the quality assurance system for the diagnostic network at local level was 67%. [[[ Conclusions: ]]] It is necessary to continue strengthening the malaria diagnosis network to provide timely and adequate diagnosis in order to reduce the morbidity and mortality by malaria.