Project Abstract

Abstract
Malaria remains a major public health concern in many tropical and subtropical regions, particularly affecting school-aged children in rural areas. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of malaria parasite infections among school-aged children in rural settings to inform targeted intervention strategies. A systematic literature review was conducted to identify relevant studies published between 2010 and 2021. The search included electronic databases, such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, using keywords related to malaria, school-aged children, and rural areas. A total of 15 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis. The studies were predominantly cross-sectional in design and were conducted in various rural settings across different countries in Africa and Asia. The overall prevalence of malaria parasite infections among school-aged children ranged from 10% to 65%, with variations observed based on geographical location, seasonality, and malaria control interventions. Plasmodium falciparum was the most common species identified, followed by Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium malariae. Factors associated with an increased risk of malaria parasite infections among school-aged children included proximity to mosquito breeding sites, low household income, inadequate housing conditions, and limited access to healthcare services. Additionally, lack of knowledge about malaria prevention and treatment, as well as suboptimal use of insecticide-treated bed nets, were identified as contributing factors to the high prevalence of malaria infections in rural areas. The findings highlight the persistent burden of malaria among school-aged children in rural areas and underscore the importance of implementing comprehensive malaria control strategies tailored to the local context. Interventions focusing on vector control, early diagnosis, prompt treatment, and community education are essential for reducing the prevalence of malaria parasite infections and improving the health outcomes of school-aged children in these settings. In conclusion, the prevalence of malaria parasite infections remains significant among school-aged children in rural areas, with varying levels observed across different regions. Sustainable efforts are needed to strengthen malaria control programs, improve access to preventive measures, and enhance community awareness to combat malaria in these vulnerable populations.

Project Overview

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.