Lack of community awareness on malaria and its vectors can impede malaria control: A case study in Great Nicobar Islands

Abstract

Andaman and Nicobar Islands has historically been known for its high malaria transmission in the past. The aftermath of tsunami (2004), increased its risk and vulnerability, due to stagnant water bodies. Anopheles sundaicus is the predominant vector responsible for the perennial transmission of malaria in these islands. The Great Nicobar Island being one of the Tehsil of Nicobar District, is an important tourism centre attracting both national and international visitors in large numbers throughout the year. Community knowledge on malaria and its vectors is a pre-requisite for any successful malaria control programme. In order to determine the community knowledge regarding malaria transmission and control, a cross sectional survey was carried out in three villages of Great Nicobar Island, having high malaria incidence. A total of 170 individuals, viz., 70 Nicobarese (tribal) and 100 non-Nicobarese (non-tribal) were enquired. Both quantitative (KAP) and qualitative (FGD) survey methods were employed to collect the data. Among the Nicobarese, 98.6% were aware of the disease, 94.2% had knowledge of its symptoms. Similar observation was found among the non-Nicobarese community. However, knowledge on the bionomics of malaria vector and transmission was observed to be low in both the groups (17-23%). In the community based awareness campaign, field visits to the vector breeding sites is to be emphasized. Involvement of Self Help Groups and school children would facilitate easy dissemination of knowledge on vectors to the community. This improved awareness could help in reducing vector proliferation and form a basis for effective implementation of malaria control programme.