ANALYSIS ON THE PREVALENCE OF MALARIA PARASITE AMONG CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 10 IN IGUEBEN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, EDO STATE
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Abstract
Malaria remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria, particularly among children under ten years of age who are highly susceptible to infection. This study analyzed secondary malaria testing data from two primary health centres which are Ebelle Primary Healthcare Centre and Eguare Primary Healthcare Centre in Igueben Local Government Area (LGA), Edo State,
covering the period January 2024 to April 2025. The objectives were to determine the total number of children under ten recorded as tested, the total number recorded positive, the monthly prevalence rates, and to identify seasonal trends in malaria transmission. Data were extracted from facility registers and analyzed using descriptive statistics, with prevalence computed as (number positive ÷ number tested) × 100. Across both health centres, a total of 647 children under ten were recorded as tested, of which 517 (79.9%) tested positive for malaria parasites. At the facility level, Ebelle PHC recorded a prevalence of 73.3%, while Eguare PHC recorded 85.6%. Monthly prevalence varied between 56% and 100%, with the highest values recorded in March and April 2024 (Ebelle PHC) and June 2024 and March 2025 (Eguare PHC), corresponding to periods of intense rainfall and increased mosquito breeding. Both facilities showed sustained high transmission during the rainy and dry seasons, ndicating year-round endemicity. The findings demonstrate that malaria remains highly prevalent among children under ten in Igueben LGA. Strengthening preventive strategies such as consistent use of insecticide-treated nets, improved community awareness, environmental management to eliminate mosquito breeding sites, and continuous surveillance at health facilities are recommended to reduce malaria burden in the area.
covering the period January 2024 to April 2025. The objectives were to determine the total number of children under ten recorded as tested, the total number recorded positive, the monthly prevalence rates, and to identify seasonal trends in malaria transmission. Data were extracted from facility registers and analyzed using descriptive statistics, with prevalence computed as (number positive ÷ number tested) × 100. Across both health centres, a total of 647 children under ten were recorded as tested, of which 517 (79.9%) tested positive for malaria parasites. At the facility level, Ebelle PHC recorded a prevalence of 73.3%, while Eguare PHC recorded 85.6%. Monthly prevalence varied between 56% and 100%, with the highest values recorded in March and April 2024 (Ebelle PHC) and June 2024 and March 2025 (Eguare PHC), corresponding to periods of intense rainfall and increased mosquito breeding. Both facilities showed sustained high transmission during the rainy and dry seasons, ndicating year-round endemicity. The findings demonstrate that malaria remains highly prevalent among children under ten in Igueben LGA. Strengthening preventive strategies such as consistent use of insecticide-treated nets, improved community awareness, environmental management to eliminate mosquito breeding sites, and continuous surveillance at health facilities are recommended to reduce malaria burden in the area.
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