Akulue Memorial Hospital is a private hospital established in 1974 by Late Dr. Chukwudi Achufusi to offer healthcare services to the general public, including the wealthy and the poor. It offers comprehensive medical services, including emergency care, surgery, diagnostic testing, treatment for various medical conditions, and specialized care in areas such as cardiology, oncology, pediatrics, etc. The hospital serves people from both far and wide. It’s situated at No. 16/18 Akulue Road, Onuiyi, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Study Design and Population
This study was conducted from February to May 2024. The target population consisted of 250 children from 1-15 attending Akulue Memorial Hospital, Nsukka.
Author(s) Details:
Elijah Sunday Okwuonu
Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Emmanuel Uzoma Anyaoha
Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Chinaza Blessing Ukwueze
Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Nenrot Sandra Gopep
Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria and Department of Public Health/Mph, Georgia Southern University, USA.
Uchenna Athanasius Ubaka
Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.
Emmanuella Chigozirim Agbedo
Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Chiamaka Lovelyn Nwankwo
Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Patra Chisom Ezeamii
Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria and Department of Public Health/Mph, Georgia Southern University, USA.
Ogochukwu Ruth Abasilim
Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria and The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) School of Public Health, USA.
Blessing Chinenye Amoke
Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Ikem Chris Okoye
Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Recent Global Research Developments in Asymptomatic Malaria and Associated Risk Factors Among School Children
Prevalence and Risk Factors in Ghana: A study conducted in Ghana found that asymptomatic malaria is prevalent among school children, with higher rates in forested areas compared to coastal regions. The study identified risk factors such as age, gender, anemia, and stunted growth [1].
Asymptomatic Malaria in Cambodia: Research in Mondulkiri, Cambodia, revealed a significant prevalence of asymptomatic malaria among high-risk populations, including forest rangers and dwellers. The study highlighted the need for targeted interventions to eliminate malaria [2].
Detection Methods in Schoolchildren: A study emphasized that traditional diagnostic methods like RDT and microscopy often underestimate the prevalence of asymptomatic malaria. Advanced techniques like qPCR were found to be more effective in detecting low levels of parasitemia [1].
Impact on Malaria Control Strategies: Research in various ecological zones in Ghana showed that asymptomatic malaria significantly impacts malaria control and elimination strategies. The study suggested that school children with asymptomatic infections could be potential hotspots for malaria transmission [2] .
Global Trends and Challenges: A comprehensive review of global trends in asymptomatic malaria highlighted the challenges in detecting and managing these infections. The review called for improved diagnostic tools and more robust surveillance systems to address the hidden burden of asymptomatic malaria [2].
References
- Mensah, B.A., Myers-Hansen, J.L., Obeng Amoako, E. et al. Prevalence and risk factors associated with asymptomatic malaria among school children: repeated cross-sectional surveys of school children in two ecological zones in Ghana. BMC Public Health 21, 1697 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-021-11714-8
- Doum, D., Mclver, D.J., Hustedt, J. et al. An active and targeted survey reveals asymptomatic malaria infections among high-risk populations in Mondulkiri, Cambodia. Malar J 22, 193 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12936-023-04630-2
To Read the Complete Chapter See Here