Abstract

Background: Malaria is a major public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa, and children are especially vulnerable. In 2019, an estimated 409,000 people died of malaria, most (274,000) were young children and 94% of the cases and deaths were in Africa. Prior studies in Ethiopia focused on the adult population and high transmission areas. Hence, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of malaria in children under five years in low transmission areas.

Objectives: these objectives aims to determine the prevalence of malaria infection among children (0-5) years, to assess some of the complications due to of malarial, and assess possible management and treatment ways of this infection

Method: A cross sectional study will be used to collect socio demographic characteristics and different databases, including PubMed and Google Scholar, will be investigated to collect the required data for the completion of the present review article. The following keywords were used for searching in these databases: Malaria in Children, Plasmodium Falciparum in Children, Malaria in Paediatrics, and Plasmodium Falciparum in Paediatrics.

Results: The study revealed a high malaria prevalence of 86.25% among the participants, with 43.5% experiencing recurrent infections. Common complications included respiratory distress (40%), severe anemia (34%), organ failure (11%), and cerebral malaria (10%). Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT) was the most administered treatment (62.3%), though 31.8% of cases reported treatment inefficacy. Preventive measures such as insecticide-treated bed nets (60%) and indoor spraying (20%) were widely used.

Conclusion: The findings highlight the alarming prevalence of malaria and its severe complications among children in the study area. There is a critical need for enhanced preventive measures, early diagnosis, and improved treatment protocols to mitigate the burden of malaria in this vulnerable population.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Malaria is among the world’s commonest and life threatening tropical diseases. Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites which are transmitted through the female Anopheles mosquito’s bite. Malaria is caused by one or a combination of four species of plasmodia and leads to over one million death of which over 75% occur in Africa, children under five years infected mainly with plasmodium falciparum (P) and plasmodium viva (PV) which are identified as the plasmodium species responsible for causing the most severe form of malaria (Tjitra et al., 2008). Malaria is a major public health problem in the world and more especially among under five years’ children’s and pregnant women due to their vulnerability (Polrat, 2014). In spite of intensive worldwide efforts to reduce its transmission, malaria remains the most serious and widespread protozoal infection of humans. Over 40% of the world’s population is at risk of contracting the disease, which is endemic in 91 countries, mostly developing ones.

Although global mortality in children’s under five years reduced from 12 million deaths in 1990 to 6.9 million death in 2011 (Kalyango, 2013). According to the world health organisation (WHO) malaria is an important public health problem in more than 100 countries and cases an estimated 200 million infections each year, with more than 500 in sub-sahara Africa where the disease is estimated to kill one child every 30 second (WHO,2011).

Cameroon accounts for 30 and 40 percent of malaria deaths on the continent (WHO, 2008). This magnitude of occurrence in this part of the world correlates with poverty, ignorance and social deprivations in the community (WHO, 2008). According to the Cameroon National Malaria Control Program (CNMCP), malaria accounts for approximately 53% of morbidity and 40% of mortality mostly among children under the age of five years. Malaria is known to have a negative impact on performance and learning in children (Holding et al, 2001). It also aggravates anaemia and malnutrition in children (W Shipley, 2020). It also remain asymptomatic in children with pre-existing health problems such as anaemia, malnutrition and immunocompromised state. Malaria complications results from haemolytic anaemia and microvascular obstruction with subsequent tissue ischemia.

It is important to investigate the prevalence and complications associated with malaria to reduce mortality, create awareness and educate the society on preventive measures that can be practiced to fight against malaria infection. Therefore, this study sought to determine the prevalence and complications of malaria in children 0-5 years. This, would, in turn, have a major impact on the knowledge and improvements in hygiene by individuals and the society in preventing these complications.

1.2 Problem Statement

Malaria disease is fatal infection with a huge increase among children age 0-5 years in the Bota District Hospital Limbe. Despite this alarming prevalence, limited research has been conducted to understand specific factors causing this increase in malaria cases. So therefore, this study sought to assess the prevalence and complications of malaria in children 0-5 years in the Bota District Hospital Limbe, focusing on some environmental factors and lifestyle of people to overcome this parasitic infection. Findings from this study will contribute valuable insight for educators and health professionals in combating this disease.

1.3 Research Questions

1. What is the prevalence of malaria infection among children (0-5) years attending Bota District Hospital Limbe Southwest Region.?
2. What are the complications of malaria caused by the malaria parasite P. falciparum?
3. How are these infections managed and treated?

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