Prevalence of Malaria among School Children in Bambili-Tubah Sub Division, North West Region, Cameroon

Abstract

Background: Malaria is the highest cause of the high infant mortality experienced in Africa, killing 1 in 20 children below the age of 5 years and indeed, killing one child every 30 seconds. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of malaria among school children in Bambili. Methods: Blood samples were collected from 800 subjects all over Bambili, some of them through the health centre to ensure a random selection of subjects since patients all over Bambili consult at the health center. Blood samples were collected from respondents and treated appropriately before mounting on glass slides for microscopic examinations using a light microscope. Results: Out of these infections screened in 800 persons, only malaria was recorded in 73 persons (9.13%). The highest infection rate (19.23%) was recorded in October and the lowest (1.54%) in January. Risk factors include seasonal changes, the location and hygiene of residences, the level of education, and the non-use of preventive measures.   Conclusion: Malaria appear to be of primary concern thus something must be done by health authorities and sectors responsible for public health issues, in order to effectively control these insect-borne diseases and the nuisance they cause.