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Background: Malaria has become a threat to health in the tropical and other developing countries. No wonder this has become one of the components of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Malaria accounts for one in five of all childhood deaths in Africa. Yet much of the impact of this disease on the world's children could be prevented with currently available interventions.Methods & Materials: This study was carried out in Aba, Abia State, Nigeria between the months of July and October, 2012. Three hundred patients were tested using thick film method for the presence of malaria parasites. A pre-tested structural questionnaire was used to obtain the demographic data and home management practices from parents of the children.Results: Out of 300 children sampled, 195 (65.0%) were infected with malaria parasites. Ninety seven (62.2%) of those infected were males, while 98 (68.1%) were females. However, the prevalence rate of infection among the males and females were statistically insignificant (P-value < 0.05). Children of age five had the highest prevalence of 73.8%, followed by the children of age two with prevalence rate of 68.0%. Children living in homes where preventive measures were adopted recorded lower rate of infection. Those using insecticide treated nets (ITNs) had the lowest rate of infection (23.1%). This is followed by those using combined window/door net plus insecticide sprays (45.5%), while the homes where no control measures were adopted recorded 92.7% rate of infection. Conclusion:The difference in prevalence rates among homes using different control measures were statistically significant (Pvalue > 0.05) and therefore malaria infection is dependent on the control measures adopted.

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Background: Over the past decade, significant gains have been made in the implementation of malaria preventive measures in sub-Saharan Africa, including the distribution of insecticide treated nets (ITNs). These have been shown to cause a reduction in the incidence of malaria and other mosquito borne diseases. Methods: Knowledge, attitude and practices of the use of ITNs were critically evaluated in Aba, south eastern Nigeria from February to July, 2013. A cross-sectional study was conducted in four communities in Aba. A total of 500 household heads or their representatives were surveyed using a pre-tested structural questionnaire administered through house-to-house interview. Results: Out of the 500 respondents interviewed, 460 (92.0%) associated malaria with mosquito bites. On home management practices used to prevent mosquito bites, 299 (59.8%) use ITNs, 100 (20.0%) use insecticide sprays, 45 (9.0%) use window/door nets while 32 (6.4%) use repellants. The use of ITNs based on age showed that people between ages 26 and above had the highest