Living with malaria in Tanzania

Abstract

A study to investigate community perception, knowledge, experiences and ways of coping with malaria was conducted in Mwakidila village in Tanga District, north-eastern Tanzania in 2001. Data were collected through tape-recorded focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews. Hour FGDs were conducted, one each for boys, girls, men and women with nine participants in each group. Thereafter, four people, one from each focus group, participated in in-depth interviews. An in-depth interview also involved the Assistant Clinical Officer and Village Executive Officer. Epidemiological data were also collected from Mwakidila dispensary to determine the pattern of malaria in the study area. Our findings indicated that malaria was the most serious disease and the leading cause of illness and deaths in the village. Malaria affected people of all age-groups, but was more common and severe among young children. Symptoms of malaria were mentioned to include repeated fevers, loss of appetite, headache, body weakness and vomiting. Data from the dispensary showed that malaria, upper respiratory lract infection, diarrhoea, anaemia and pneumonia were the most prevalent diseases in the village. Mosquitoes were recognized as responsible for malaria transmission. Poor health service delivery, lack of clean water and unsanitary environmental conditions were incriminated as the most important pre-disposing factors to malaria transmission. The use of mosquito repellents, insecticide sprays, mosquito nets and clearing of bushes were employed by the community in the control of malaria.