Malaria N° 6 - Subject N° 3

THE MANAGMENT OF MALARIA AND ITS VECTOR/ KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES IN HOUSEHOLDS IN URBAN AREAS OF BUJUMBURA (BURUNDI)
C. Baribwira, L. Kanyange & M. Barutwanayo

SUMMARY
The antimalarial programme in Burundi relies upon two main approaches: the improvement in the correct case management of malaria and vector control consisting of two parts: insecticide intradomiciliary sewage control and the use of impregnated mosquito nets.
A study was carried out in October 1994 in three urban areas in the town of Bujumbura in order to evaluate the level of understanding, attitudes and practices in relation to malaria and its vector. A random survey in clusters was carried out on 1,800 representatives of households using a semi open-ended or closed list of questions. The findings revealed that the majority of households surveyed knew that malaria could be transmitted through a mosquito bite (71.61%) and that it can be a fatal illness (99.16%). Few people (23.77%) knew that the illness is more severe in children than in adults. In the case of a presumptive diagnosis of malaria, the approach of the majority was to attend a healthcare unit (84.78%) rather than self-medication (15.22%). The antimalarial methods used, in order of frequency, were coils (45.94%), insecticide sprays (22.22%) and non-impregnated mosquito nets (24.16%). Impregnated mosquito nets were little used (5.6%). Non-impregnated mosquito nets were deemed to be the most effective (30.87%) followed by coils (22.97%) and insecticide sprays (29.38%).
Only (23.11%) knew the place of purchase and (13.11%) the price of an impregnated mosquito net, which suggests that marketing to the general public is inadequate.
During the preceding quarter, the majority of households spent the equivalent of the price of an impregnated mosquito net for ineffectual controls.
It appears that the adequate marketing of impregnated mosquito nets would yield good results in this socio-economic context.
The improvement in the diagnosis and treatment of malaria must focus on healthcare centres in Bujumbura.

KEY-WORDS: Malaria, Survey, Vector control, Impregnated mosquito net