A Survey on Traditional and Modern Prophylactic Methods of Malaria Management in a Resettlement Area in the Southern Lowveld of Zimbabwe
Gladman Chapu
Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science Education, Bindura University of Science Education, P.Bag 1020, Bindura, Zimbabwe.
Nyembezi Mgocheki *
Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science Education, Bindura University of Science Education, P.Bag 1020, Bindura, Zimbabwe and Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Zimbabwe Open University, P.O.Box MP1119, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Malaria is a tropical disease that kills a number of people in tropical areas. At least one million people are killed each year and in Zimbabwe the disease is prevalent among children under five years and the immunosuppressed. In rural areas, people use a number of methods to prevent and cure malaria including traditional and modern methods. A survey was carried out in Mukazi resettlement area, Chiredzi district of Masvingo in Zimbabwe.
A stratified random sampling technique was used to select respondents from six villages giving a sample size 86 respondents. The survey revealed that Mukazi fast track villagers mostly preferred to use Insecticide treated nets (ITN) than other methods to prevent themselves from contracting malaria.
Consistent education of inhabitants on proper use and storage of ITNs that the inhabitants currently use mostly to prevent malaria is required. Chloroquine holders may spearhead the awareness campaigns.
Keywords: Mosquitoes, insecticides treated nets, chloroquine, immunosuppressed