Africa's 9th malaria day celebration in 2009 and its bearing on most vulnerable groups

Abstract

To investigate the incidence of malaria and anaemia among children after the ninth malaria day celebration. Children attending primary healthcare centres in Makurdi for routine immunization purposes were recruited between September and November 2008 into the study. Thick and thin blood films from arterial blood were stained with Giemsa's stain and examined microscopically; packed cell volume (PCV) was measured using haematocrit machine and body temperatures with the aid of paediatric thermometers; other anthropometric measurements were also taken. Other relevant information on the children and their parents were obtained with the aid of a structured questionnaire. Data obtained was analysed using Epi Info statistical software, P values ≤0.05 were considered significant. The incidence of Plasmodium falciparum parasitaemia was 32.3% among the 502 children; 85.9% ( n =139) of children with malaria parasites were anaemic and 88.9% (8/9) of the children with fever had malaria. Infections were commoner in children aged one year and above (P<0.05). Use of insecticide treated bed nets (ITNs) was 24.7% ( n =124) while 27.9% ( n =140) used untreated bed nets. There was no significant difference in malaria incidence among those who used ITNs, untreated nets and other unconventional control methods ( P >0.05). Educational level of mothers had no significant impact on the incidence of malaria among the children (P P >0.05), while occupation had ( P < 0.05). Malaria and anaemia are still major health problems in Makurdi city as in several other parts of sub-Saharan Africa. Supply of ITNs and massive health education at the grass root should be stepped up, and possibly supply of facilities for rapid malaria diagnosis to the community should be considered.