An investigation of challenges that impede the elimination of malaria in Andara district, Kavango east region, Namibia
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Date
2025
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Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
This study was conducted to identify challenges that impede the elimination of malaria
in Andara District, Kavango East Region, Namibia, so that efforts may be put to address
such. Interventions which have been put in place include universal large-scale
deployment of indoor residual spraying, distributing insecticide-treated bed nets and
treating with artemisinin-based combination therapy and many others. However, cases of
malaria morbidity and mortality in Andara District persisted. So, this research explored
deeper the major challenges faced by the communities in trying to control this endemic
disease in Andara District, Kavango region. This study used a mixed research design,
meaning that both quantitative and qualitative research methods were used in this study
to sufficiently capture the trends and details of the malaria situation in Andara District.
Stratified random sampling method was used to collect 360 respondents from the
population. A self-administered questionnaire and in-depth interviews were used to
collect data. The study found that factors that impede malaria elimination in Andara
District include limited research on traditional malaria prevention methods, uncontrolled
cross border migration, favorable environmental conditions, good climatic conditions,
resistance of mosquitos to insecticides and poor surveillance of malaria transmission
hotspots. The study also found that some barriers to mosquito control and prevention in
Andara District include the resistance of mosquitos to insecticides, shortage of nets and
sprays and shortage of healthcare workers. In light of these findings, it was
recommended that the Ministry of Health and Social Services should conduct
surveillance to collect, analyze, and interpret data related to malaria. The information
gathered should be used to inform the planning, implementation monitoring and
evaluation of malaria cases and fatalities. Surveillance may also help the country to track
evolving trends in malaria-related illnesses. It has also been recommended that the
government of Namibia should implement different interventions such as mass drug
administration, mass testing and treatment and mass relapse prevention in order to
reduce malaria transmission. The government should also implement targeted testing
and treatment, routine testing and treatment at points of entry and testing and treatment
of people coming to or returning from Andara District. Moreover, since this study was
limited to the Andara District, it has been recommended that further studies should be
carried out in all fourteen regions of Namibia in order to obtain findings that may be
applied to the entire country
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Public Health
Keywords
Elimination of malaria, Andara District, Kavango East Region, Namibia, Universal large-scale deployment, Malaria morbidity and mortality, University of Namibia