CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION 

Malaria is a major international public health problem. Globally, an estimated 3.4 billion people are at risk of malaria. WHO estimates that 207 million cases of malaria occurred globally in 2012? Most cases (80%) occurred in Africa followed by South-East Asia region (13%) and the Eastern Mediterranean region (6%).

About 9% of estimated cases globally are due to P. vivax, although the proportion outside the African continent is 50%. (WMR, 2013). There were an estimated 627 000 malaria deaths worldwide in 2012.  It is estimated that 90% of deaths in 2012 were in the African Region, followed by the South-East Asia Region (7%) and Eastern Mediterranean Region (3%). About 482 000 malaria deaths were estimated to occur in children under 5 years of age worldwide. Most deaths are due to P. falciparum; however, P. vivaxis increasingly recognized as a cause of severe malaria and death.

In Cameroon, malaria is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in among the most vulnerable groups, children and pregnant women. It is endemic throughout the country, with almost all Cameroonians reporting at least one episode annually. (WHO WMR, 2013).

1.3. RATIONALE

Despite the free distribution of nets, the prevalence of malaria in the Mile 16 neighbourhood is still very high and the population particularly pregnant women and children below 5years are still at risk of having malaria This gives reason to investigate the impact of the nets in preventing malaria in that area.

1.4. OBJECTIVES

1.4.1. Main Objective

To determine bed nets (LLINs/ITNs) coverage and the impacts of these bed nets in preventing malaria.

1.4.2. Specific Objectives

1. To determine the coverage and use of bed nets in the study area.
2. Determine pregnant women and children are involved.
3. Impact of bed nets in reducing the incidence of malaria.

1.5. Hypothesis

Bed nets do not have an impact in the incidence of malaria in the Mile 16 neighbourhood.