Towards Malaria Control In Nigeria: Review Of Multiple Aetiological Factor

Malaria is a principal cause of morbidity and mortality in the very young children and pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa. Although Plasmodium falciparum, the most dangerous of the four human malaria parasites, is responsible for infections in the area, other aetiological factors exert a lot of influence on occurrence and transmission of malaria. For malaria to be effectively controlled and prevented, such factors which include environmental, host, vector and parasite factors must be attacked through a multi-pronged approach, in line with the strategies of the Roll Back Malaria initiative. This review highlights the various aetiological factors of malaria, and suggests ways of combating the infection in Nigeria. Key Words: Malaria, aetiological factors, Roll Back Malaria initiative, prevention and control Orient Journal of Medicine Vol.16(2) 2004: 24-30