Impact of Mosquito Net Distribution on Malaria Prevalence Nyarushanje Sub-County, Rukungiri District

Abstract

Impact of mosquito net distribution on malaria prevalence in Uganda case study Malaria is a major public health problem associated with slow economic development and poverty and the most frequently reported diseases at both public and private health facilities in Uganda. Clinically diagnosed malaria is the leading cause of mobility and mortality, accounting for 30-50% of all hospital admissions and up to 20% of all hospital deaths. 27.2% of inpatient deaths among children under five years of age are due to malaria. Malaria is endemic in approximately 95% of the country, affecting over 90% of the population of 3 million. The remaining 5% of the country consists of unstable and epidemic-prone transmission areas in the highlands or the south and mid-west along the eastern border with Sudan. Uganda has the sixth highest number of annual deaths from malaria in Africa as well as some of the highest reported malaria transmission rates in the world with approximately 16 million cases reported in 2013 and over 10500 deaths annually. In addition malaria has an indirect impact on the economy impact of malaria includes pocket expenditure for consultation fees, drugs, transport. These costs are estimated to be between 0.41 USD and USD 3.88 per person per month. Household expenditure for malaria treatment is also a high burden to the Ugandan population consuming a larger proportion on incomes in the poorest countries. Malaria has a significant negative impact on the economy of Uganda due to loss of workdays because of sickness, decreased productivity and decreased school attendance. Political commitment to fight malaria is reflected in the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party manifesto (2010-2016). It is the intention of the government of Uganda to totally eliminate malaria from Uganda through preventive methods like distribution of long lasting mosquito nets. However, based on the World Health Organization guidelines Uganda is still at the first stage of controlling malaria. Consequently intensified efforts are needed to reduce the malaria burden.