Abstract
Malaria interventions - vector control using long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) or indoor residual spraying, chemoprevention and case management including diagnosis and treatment of infections - are highly effective and affordable. These interventions have led to a significant reduction in malaria prevalence, and a marked decline in morbidity and mortality associated. Despite these increasing control efforts, this parasitic disease is still persisting in most African countries. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors associated with malaria infection in the Obang Valley (North Western Cameroon) in order to identify potential bottlenecks in the malaria elimination procedure. A structured questionnaire was administered to a random sample of 100 individuals visiting the Mbakong Health Centre or attending the Obang Government High School. Association between malaria infection and individual household or environmental risk factors was investigated using logistic regression models. Malaria infection was not significantly associated with LLIN possession (p = 0.999) since 97% of interviewees received them free of charge. The age and habits (having each bed cover by a LLIN, time when doors and windows are closed or antimalarial medicine used) of study participants were however significantly associated with malaria infection (p < 0.033). These findings suggest that although the interventions recommended by the World Health Organization may help in reducing malaria prevalence and burden, it is of prime importance to also tackle associated risk factors which are mostly related to individual habits. Key words: Malaria, risk factors, Obang Valley, Cameroon.
Highlights
Malaria remains a primer life-threatening disease and a serious public health concern worldwide
This study was carried out in the Obang valley (North West Region, Cameroon) where the trends in malaria prevalence have decreased after Long-lasting insecticidal net (LLIN) distribution campaigns, but subsequently reversed two years later
Long-lasting insecticidal net (LLIN) is a core prevention tool widely used to fight against malaria, and it was shown that the universal coverage with LLINs has help in reducing the global malaria burden since 2000
Summary
Malaria remains a primer life-threatening disease and a serious public health concern worldwide. 216 million cases of malaria occurred worldwide, with an estimated 445,000 deaths, the World Health Organization (WHO) African Region accounting for 91% of all malaria deaths (WHO, 2017a, 2018). In the framework of the 68th World Health Assembly held in 2015 (WHA68/2015/REC/1), the WHO developed the 2016–2030 Global Technical Strategy (GTS) to preserve progress achieved against malaria and reach global elimination of this deadly disease (WHO, 2017b). As for pillar #1, the recommended interventions against malaria (vector control using insecticide-treated mosquito nets or indoor residual spraying, chemoprevention and case management including diagnosis and treatment of infections) are highly effective and affordable, and their wide-scale implementation has led to a significant reduction in malaria prevalence and a consequent decline in morbidity and mortality associated. Between 2000 and 2015, the rate of new malaria cases declined globally by an estimated 37%, and the global malaria death rate fell by 60%, with 6.2 million lives saved (WHO, 2015b)
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