The role of organizational justice and job satisfaction in Tanzanian local government authorities: A case of Mwanga District Council

Abstract

Malaria remains a leading public health concern in Kenya, with high morbidity and mortality rates despite the availability of conventional interventions such as insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), indoor residual spraying (IRS), and artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs). The increasing resistance of Plasmodium falciparum to antimalarial drugs necessitates the exploration of alternative treatment options. Traditional medicinal plants have been widely used in Kenya for malaria treatment, particularly in rural and resource-limited settings. Health Belief Model guided this research. This systematic review synthesizes available ethnobotanical and pharmacological evidence on medicinal plants used for malaria management in Kenya. A total of 85 plant species from 45 botanical families were identified, with Artemisia annua, Ajuga remota, Azadirachta indica, Warburgia ugandensis, and Zanthoxylum chalybeum being the most frequently cited. Pharmacological studies demonstrated that Artemisia annua had a parasite reduction rate of 85%, while Ajuga remota and Warburgia ugandensis showed moderate efficacy, reducing parasitemia by 68% and 72%, respectively. While these plants exhibited minimal adverse effects, further toxicological studies and clinical trials are necessary to confirm their safety and efficacy. In conclusion, medicinal plants represent a valuable resource for malaria management, particularly in areas where conventional healthcare access is limited. To maximize their therapeutic potential and ensure safe use, it is essential to undertake standardized toxicological evaluations and rigorous clinical trials. Efforts should also be directed toward the standardization and quality control of plant-based preparations. Additionally, effective conservation strategies and sustainable harvesting practices must be implemented to preserve medicinal plant biodiversity. Integrating ethnobotanical knowledge into national malaria control programs will facilitate the recognition, promotion, and appropriate utilization of these medicinal plants, ultimately enhancing malaria management strategies in Kenya.