Crouch-Chivers, Paul Raymond; (1997) Malaria in the Gazelle Peninsula, Papua New Guinea. Doctoral thesis (M.D), UCL (University College London).

Text Malaria_in_the_Gazelle_Peninsu.pdf Download (8MB)

Abstract

The Gazelle Peninsula is a densely populated area of major economic importance in the Islands Region of Papua New Guinea. Malaria is endemic in the Gazelle Peninsula and changing patterns of transmission reflect those observed elsewhere in Papua New Guinea. Methods of malaria control have followed global strategies with a change in the recent fifteen years towards control at the individual and village level. This study examines the epidemiology of malaria in the Gazelle Peninsula. It examines the history of malaria in Papua New Guinea, past attempts to control the disease and malaria morbidity patterns in the Peninsula. Malaria parasite prevalence was estimated by regular blood examination of children. The incidence of malaria was estimated from blood slide surveys of patients attending health facilities. Some behavioural characteristics of a major vector, Anopheles farauti, were studied. Ten years after the original epidemiological study a review of malaria on the Duke of York Islands was conducted with special attention to permethrin impregnated bed nets and their effect on malaria transmission. Malaria remained hypo-mesoendemic in most areas of the Gazelle Peninsula with Plasmodium falciparum infection rates being twice those of Plasmodium vivax. Higher than average rates of infection were noted in Sinivit, Bitapaka and Duke of York Island census divisions. In villages below 200 metres (above sea level) parasite rates were approximately double those for villages above this altitude. Children under one year of age had infection rates considerably lower than those for older children in both high and low altitude villages. People of all ages were affected by clinical malaria and there was a correlation between blood slide positivity in clinics and admissions to hospital. Malaria transmission was briefly decreased by use of permethrin impregnated bed nets on the Duke of York Islands. However, a trial failed to demonstrate the long term usefulness of this method of malaria control. Anopheles farauti maintained vigorous man-biting throughout the night. The vector was sensitive to DDT at doses used in household spraying. Potential malaria control measures are discussed in the light of the findings of the study and in the spirit of primary health care.

Download activity - last month

Export as JSONXMLCSV

Download activity - last 12 months

Export as JSONXMLCSV

Downloads by country - last 12 months

Export as XMLCSVJSON

Archive Staff Only

View Item