Project Abstract

Abstract
Malaria remains a significant public health concern, particularly in rural areas where access to healthcare services may be limited. School-aged children are a vulnerable population group that is at high risk of malaria infection. This research project aimed to investigate the prevalence of malaria parasite infections among school-aged children in rural areas to better understand the burden of the disease in this population. A cross-sectional study was conducted in several rural schools, where a total of X school-aged children were screened for malaria parasite infections using rapid diagnostic tests and microscopic examination of blood smears. Demographic data, including age, gender, and socio-economic status, were collected to assess potential risk factors associated with malaria infection. The results revealed a high prevalence of malaria parasite infections among school-aged children in rural areas, with X% testing positive for the parasite. There was a significant difference in infection rates among different age groups, with older children showing a higher prevalence compared to younger ones. Gender did not appear to be a significant factor in malaria infection rates. Socio-economic status was found to be a critical determinant of malaria infection, with children from lower-income families being at a higher risk of contracting the disease. Poor housing conditions, inadequate access to clean water, and lack of mosquito control measures were identified as contributing factors to the high prevalence of malaria infections in these rural communities. The study highlights the need for targeted malaria control interventions focused on school-aged children in rural areas. Strategies such as insecticide-treated bed nets distribution, indoor residual spraying, and health education programs should be implemented to reduce the burden of malaria among this vulnerable population group. Improving access to prompt diagnosis and treatment through mobile health clinics or school-based health programs could also help in reducing malaria-related morbidity and mortality in these communities. In conclusion, the findings of this study underscore the importance of addressing malaria parasite infections among school-aged children in rural areas. By implementing effective prevention and control measures, we can significantly reduce the impact of malaria on the health and well-being of children in these underserved communities.

Project 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.