IDENTIFYING THE CURRENT GAPS IN MALARIA VECTOR CONTROL IN ORUK ANAM LGA, AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA
NJE Vol. 41(2): 31-42, 2025
DOI.10.36108/NJE/5202/14.0230
1Ekedo, C. M*., 2Akpan, A. U., 2Essien, U. B, 3Ihemanma, C.A., 1Ibediugha, B.N. and 1Udom, I. A.
1Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology. College of Natural Sciences, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike. Abia state. Nigeria.
2Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Uyo. Uyo. Akwa Ibom State. Nigeria.
3Department of Biology/Microbiology, Abia state Polytechnic, Aba State. Nigeria
Abstract
Malaria presents a persistent public problem in Oruk Anam Local Government Area (LGA), Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, despite various vector control interventions. The study’s aim was to evaluate the current gaps in malaria vector control, evaluating existing strategies, and exploring potential improvements. Data were collected from September to November, 2024 using focus group discussions, structured questionnaires, and Pyrethrum Spray Catch (PSC) to examine socio-economic characteristics, intervention methods, and mosquito vector populations respectively. Results showed that Aedes mosquitoes were the most prevalent species (43 individuals), followed by Anopheles (16) and Culex (8). Socio-economic analysis revealed that most respondents were aged 18–30 years (27%), predominantly male (54%), and married (54.5%), with 46.5% living in households of 4–6 members. Common vector control practices included insecticide use (89%), bush clearing (60.5%), and sleeping under mosquito nets (46.5%). Effectiveness ratings highlighted insecticide use (mean = 2.45) and stagnant water drainage (mean = 2.55) as the most effective strategies, while closing windows (mean = 1.85) was rated low. Key barriers noticed in this study included vector breeding sites (75%), environmental factors (70%), and resource constraints (65%). Proposed solutions included ecological management programs (90%), improved health infrastructure (85%), and integrated vector management (80%). The findings reveals the necessity of enhanced community education, targeted environmental sanitation, improved health infrastructure, and innovative vector management strategies to address gaps and effectively bring down the burden of malaria in the region.
Keywords: Malaria, Anopheles, Culex, Key barriers, community education.