Epidemiological study of childhood malaria in Mbaise Imo State

Abstract

This investigation was carried out to evaluate the epidemiology of childhood malaria in Mbaise between January and November, 2009. Thin smear and Giemsa staining technique was used for malaria parasite examination. Oral interviews and participant observation techniques were used to collect data while analysis of selected Hospital records was also done. Out of the 1,500 children that were tested for malaria parasite, 1065 (71%) were positive while 435 (29%) were examined negative. About 500 samples were collected from each Local Government Area. 280 (56%) were positive in Aboh Mbaise, 365(75%) were positive for Ahiazu Mbaise. 420 (94%) were positive in Ezinihitte Mbaise. In about 15% of the test population, plasmodium was susceptible to chloroquine while about 78% were resistant to it. Out of 10 absentees in a school or office, 8 were due to malaria, it continues to take a lead to health problems in the study area imposing negative impact on the economy, social, education and well being of individuals.