Abstract:
Malaria is one of the major health problems
facing the world. The four species of
malaria parasite that, infect man present a threat
to the health of some 2000 million people, about
half of the world's population.
By 31st December 1976, 21% of this population
Lived in areas where malaria is reported to have
been eradicated and 62% in areas where an:
timalarial activities were being implemented.
The remaining 17% were living in places where
no antimalarial measures were being undertaken.
In Ghana, the 1967 Medical Statistic Report
ranked malaria second only to pneumonia, as
certified cause of death. "'In the 0-5 age group,
. malaria contributed 11.8% of the total certified
death.
In 1975 however, it was the leading contributor
to the -healthy days of life lost" due to diseases
and death. Since then however analysis of out·
patient data has shown malaria or more accurately
febrile episode as the leading reason for
outpatient contact - contributing 30 to 40% of all
outpatient consultations.
Field studies indicated the extent of the problem
in communities. A study in Danfa rural community
indicates that though a splenic rate of
over 50% was consistently found in children 2-9
years, malaria exhibits a stable condition. A follow
-up survey of newly born children indicate an
incidence tale of 30% in children before the age
of one year with an average of 2-3 episodes per
year.