Prevalence of Malaria among 1-15-Year Children and the Awareness and Acceptability of Malaria Vaccine in Nsukka Local Government Area, Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Malaria is still a serious threat to health, especially for children living in endemic areas. Effective control of malaria requires understanding the local epidemiology and community attitudes towards vaccination and other preventive measures.

Aim: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Plasmodium infection in children between 1 and 15 years and to evaluate the knowledge and acceptability of the malaria vaccine.

Study Design: Cross-sectional.

Materials and Methods: Prevalence of malaria parasite in 250 children from 1-15 years attending Akulue Memorial Hospital, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria was detected using microscopy. Simultaneously, detailed questionnaires were sent to parents/guardians to assess their knowledge and perspectives regarding malaria vaccination.

Results: Of the 250 children examined, 92.4% tested positive for the Plasmodium parasite. The malaria prevalence was high (>85%) in the three age groups, (1-5), (6-10), and (11-15) years although they were not significantly different (p>0.05). It was not also significantly different between male and female children. This study showed that most parents/guardians were found in favor of introducing a malaria vaccine. The findings highlighted the significance of focused measures to strengthen malaria prevention tactics, such as intensive community education and advocacy efforts to raise vaccination rates.

Conclusion: The results showed that the target children had a high prevalence of malaria infection. Reducing the illness burden among children and attaining sustainable malaria control requires addressing misconceptions and promoting favorable attitudes towards malaria vaccination.