Strategies for malaria control within the primary health care system

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.