A situation analysis of health education for young children to promote prevention and control of malaria in the Ha-Makuyu Village

Abstract

Malaria is a deadly disease transmitted by the female Anopheles mosquito in many tropical and subtropical regions. This disease kills more 500 000 people annually, yet these deaths can be prevented if malaria is diagnosed timeously and treated effectively. Despite many initiatives to fight this disease, the incidence of malaria remains high in the Mutale Municipality in the Limpopo Province where the majority of malaria cases have been diagnosed over the past decade. This study aimed to explore the current status of health education for the prevention and control of malaria in primary schools in the Ha-Makuya Village, Vhembe District in the Mutale Municipality. The possible existence of educational strategies in place to promote malaria awareness in schools was investigated. It was assumed that strategies such as collaboration between the Departments of Health and Education on health education, and policy provision on the topic could lead to children learning about malaria prevention and control, and in turn, inform their parents, leading to the broader community practicing preventive measures, leading to the reduction and eventual elimination of malaria in endemic areas. A qualitative research approach was employed in this study, informed by the interprevist paradigm, using a case study. Data was collected through interviews with relevant stakeholders in this matter, such as principals, teachers, nurses and a district official, in order to gain an understanding of their views on and perception of this disease, and to gauge their knowledge on practices to promote malaria awareness through health education. Existing policies were also analysed to examine possible content on this matter. It was found that even though some of the stakeholders’ knowledge on malaria-related issues was lacking, their attitude towards prevention strategies was positive. It was further found that, even though some effort was being made to work together, collaboration between the stakeholders was at best tenuous. Policy was also found to be lacking on provisions for the successful implementation of health education programmes for the prevention and control of malaria in schools. Recommendations to address these issues were made to the Departments of Health and Education, principals, teachers, policy-makers, as well as for further study.