Usb Anyaehie1, U I Nwagha, P N Aniebue, T U Nwagha. 1. Department of Physiology/Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Malaria is a major public health problem in Nigeria, with adverse outcomes on the poor, pregnant women and children living in rural communities. A major component of current intervention in roll back malaria (RBM) initiative is vector control and insecticide-treated nets (ITNs). AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: This research studied the impact of free distribution of ITNs on malaria parasitemia in a rural community in Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a longitudinal survey involving 990 pregnant and nursing mothers who received free ITNs between February 2007 and September 2008. Blood samples were collected at contact, then every 2 months to check for malaria parasites using standard methods. RESULT: There was a sustained but insignificant rise in asymptomatic malaria parasitemia post-distribution of ITNs. CONCLUSION: We conclude that ITN intervention remains important in malaria prophylaxis but must be complemented with awareness campaigns and other vector control strategies.
INTRODUCTION:Malaria is a major public health problem in Nigeria, with adverse outcomes on the poor, pregnant women and children living in rural communities. A major component of current intervention in roll back malaria (RBM) initiative is vector control and insecticide-treated nets (ITNs). AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: This research studied the impact of free distribution of ITNs on malaria parasitemia in a rural community in Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a longitudinal survey involving 990 pregnant and nursing mothers who received free ITNs between February 2007 and September 2008. Blood samples were collected at contact, then every 2 months to check for malaria parasites using standard methods. RESULT: There was a sustained but insignificant rise in asymptomatic malaria parasitemia post-distribution of ITNs. CONCLUSION: We conclude that ITN intervention remains important in malaria prophylaxis but must be complemented with awareness campaigns and other vector control strategies.
Authors: Musa Abubakar Kana; Henry Victor Doctor; Bárbara Peleteiro; Nuno Lunet; Henrique Barros Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2015-04-09 Impact factor: 3.295