Administration of health services and challenges in the management of the prevention and control of malaria in Zambia: the case of Luangwa district

Abstract

Malaria is a major public health concern in Zambia and it has for a long time remained the leading cause of morbidity and mortality especially among the under five children and pregnant women. Historically, Zambia has been implementing malaria control measures from the colonial/pre-independence era, through the post-independence period to date. Despite the efforts, the disease has continued to be a serious concern especially in rural districts like Luangwa. The purpose of this study was to investigate the administration of health services and challenges in the management of prevention and control of malaria. Using the case study strategy, the research investigates the administration of health services and challenges in the management of the prevention and control of malaria in Luangwa District of Zambia. The research is both quantitative and qualitative in nature. Two types of data were collected, namely, secondary and primary data. Primary data was collected from samples of key informants using interview guides and respondents (local people) using structured questionnaires. The total number of key informants is 46 which included 2 managers from the District Health Office, 19 health providers, 15 neighbourhood health committee members and 10 community health workers. The total number for the local people (respondents) who were interviewed is 200. Secondary data was collected by reading documents on malaria control. The quantitative data was analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences and qualitative data was analysed using the method of content analysis. The findings reveal that government and its cooperating partners has been implementing various malaria control measures in Luangwa District. These control measures include; insecticide-treated nets, indoor residual spraying, community sensitization, health infrastructure, human resource for health, malaria case management and prevention of malaria in pregnancy. However, the measures were not adequate to effectively control malaria. The study also revealed that the community members do not fully utilise the measures which are being implemented to control malaria. Further, the local people are not fully involved in malaria control programmes for successful implementation; instead, they are just mere recipients of the services which were provided by programme implementers. The implication is the continued high prevalence rate of malaria in the district. Keywords: Malaria, Malaria Control, Community participation, Decentralisation.