Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Malaria remains a significant public health concern, particularly in rural areas where resources for prevention and treatment are often limited. School-aged children are a vulnerable population at higher risk of malaria infection, and understanding the prevalence of malaria parasite infections among this group is essential for implementing effective control strategies. This research project aimed to assess the prevalence of malaria parasite infections among school-aged children in rural areas. A cross-sectional study design was employed, where a sample of school-aged children from various rural schools was selected for malaria screening. Blood samples were collected and analyzed using microscopy and rapid diagnostic tests to detect the presence of malaria parasites. In addition, demographic data and information on bed net usage and history of recent fever were collected through structured interviews with the children or their caregivers. The results revealed a high prevalence of malaria parasite infections among school-aged children in rural areas, with X% of the study participants testing positive for malaria parasites. The majority of the infections were caused by Plasmodium falciparum, the most common malaria parasite in the region. Interestingly, a significant proportion of the infected children reported consistent bed net usage, indicating potential issues with the effectiveness of bed nets in preventing malaria transmission. Furthermore, the study found a correlation between recent fever episodes and malaria infection, highlighting the importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment of febrile illnesses in this population. The findings underscore the need for improved malaria control measures in rural areas targeting school-aged children, including more effective vector control strategies, access to prompt diagnosis and treatment, and health education to enhance preventive practices. In conclusion, this research project provides valuable insights into the prevalence of malaria parasite infections among school-aged children in rural areas. The high burden of malaria among this vulnerable population calls for urgent interventions to reduce the incidence of infection and its associated morbidity and mortality. By targeting school-aged children in malaria control programs, public health authorities can make significant strides towards achieving malaria elimination goals and improving the overall health and well-being of communities in rural areas.

Thesis Overview

INTRODUCTION

Malaria is a major public health problem and cause of much suffering and premature death in the poorer areas of tropical Africa, Asia and Latin America particularly among young children (Cheesbrough, 2010). Children under five years of age are one of the most vulnerable groups affected by malaria. There was an estimated 438,000 malaria deaths around the world in 2015 of which approximately 69% were in children under five years of age. In high transmission areas, partial immunity to the disease is acquired during childhood. In such settings, the majority of malarial disease and particularly severe disease with rapid progression to death occurs in young children without acquired immunity. Severe anaemia, hypoglycaemia and cerebral malaria are features of malaria more commonly seen in children than in adults (WHO 2016).

Malaria is an infection caused by parasites of the Plasmodium species. There are four major species of the parasite that infect man. These are P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale and P. malariae. P. Knowlesi  is rare.