Asymptomatic Malaria Parasitaemia - A suitable index for evaluation of Malaria Vector Control Measures

Abstract

To evaluate the impact of malaria vector control measures which form an integral part of the National guidelines for malaria control, 1224 and 940 healthy primary school children in Kaduna, were assessed for malaria parasitaemia at peak wet (maximal malaria transmission) and peak dry (minimal malaria transmission) seasons, respectively. Possible association between asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia (ASMP) and utilization of vector control measures were analyzed. The overall ASMP prevalences were 22.5 per cent and 14.9 per cent at maximal and minimal transmission periods, respectively. Vector control measure utilization was strongly related and inversely associated with the rates of ASMP. The estimation of ASMP is therefore recommended for use as an index for evaluation of malaria vector control programmes.

Nigerian Journal of Paediatrics 2002; 29:23-26.