How socioeconomic status affected the access to health facilities and malaria diagnosis in children under five years: findings from 19 sub-Saharan African countries.

Significant socioeconomic disparities existed both in the access to health facilities and laboratory diagnosis of malaria in children in sub-Saharan African countries. These disparities were particularly evident in the private sector. Universal health coverage needs to be further strengthened to make formal healthcare in general and the laboratory diagnosis of malaria more accessible and affordable.