Is this Evidence of Success in Malaria Prevention and Control Measures?

In Nigeria, mass distribution of Long Lasting Insecticide Treated Nets (LLINs), community awareness programs, increased availability of Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) and Biolarviciding have been part of strategies employed, with the aim of contributing to the realization of the sixth Millennium Development Goal - Combating Malaria. This study investigates malaria prevalence among adult subjects presenting for routine medical examination at the Lulu Briggs Health Centre, University of Port Harcourt. Blood samples of 354 willing subjects were tested for parasitemia using double microscopy and standard Rapid Diagnostic (RDT) Test Kits. Axillary temperature, genotype, blood group and packed cell volume of the subjects were also determined. Questionnaire was used to obtain information regarding their demographics, previous use of antimalarials, and malaria prevention strategies they have adopted. The results obtained on the prevalence of malaria were as follows; RDT, 7.4%, double microscopy 11.0%. Among the parasite-positive samples, 32 (82.1%) were of AA, 6 (15.4%) AS, and 1 (2.5%) SS genotype, while on the other hand, 23 (59%) were of O+, 10 (25%) of A+, 3 (8%) of AB+, and 3(8%) of the B+ blood groups. The decline in malaria prevalence rate when compared to other studies, suggests that malaria control measures are having a degree of success and that individuals are making conscious effort to reduce mosquito bites. Also, the study reaffirms that microscopy still remains the gold standard in malaria diagnosis, even though RDTs are invaluable when immediate result is desired and where a laboratory is not in sight.