The continued relevance of home management of malaria strategy in the effective and sustainable control of malaria in endemic areas

Abstract

Malaria remains one of the World’s most devastating diseases, killing millions of people yearly. The disease is naturally transmitted through the bite of an adult female Anopheles mosquito and accompanied by symptoms which include fever, headache, chills and nausea among others. A wide range of childhood illnesses are accompanied by fever, many of which are treated at home prior to presentation in hospital. Home management is an important strategy adopted for the reduction of its fatality. A mothers/caregiver’s knowledge and ability to recognize fever in their child, as well as, induce management at home is very important. There has been a renewed emphasis on preventive measures at community and individual levels which includes the use of insecticide treated nets (ITNs), indoor residual spraying, wearing of protective clothes, and use of gauze for windows and doors, and use of ACTs. Home management of malaria is a very crucial and important factor that should be adopted as it entails the caregiver recognizing the symptoms and administering drugs to the sick individual before they seek medical attention. This is a very simple and effective way of treating malaria which prevents its progression the critical stage. Key words: Malaria, Home management, symptoms, early recognition, prompt treatment, antimalaria.