Public Health Interventions for Control of Malaria in the Population Living in the Terai Region of Nepal

Abstract

Infectious diseases are a major problem for developing countries. Controlling and eradicating these diseases have remained a challenge because of the multitudes of social and environmental factors involved. However, a multi-sectoral and collective effort in dealing with these diseases has been shown to result in positive outcomes. This paper looks at the current situation of Malaria in Nepal and a population that is at high risk. It explains the impact that social and environmental determinants have on this target population. This review then critically examines the various possible public health interventions that could potentially help in the control of malaria in this high risk population, drawing from evidences and experiences reported from other countries with suggestions for adapting these interventions to the Nepali environment.

Spatial Variations and Determinants of Anemia among Under-five Children in Nepal, DHS (2006–2016)

“…In 2016, the hotspots were observed in different districts of central east Terai, while coldspots were observed around Kathmandu and Kaski regions. Possible reasons include a lack of safe and appropriate drinking water in the Terai region, which increases the probability of malaria and hookworm infection, as well as a lack of variety in the Terai diet, which increases the risk of anemia [ 18 , 39 , 40 , 41 ]. In addition, Kaski and Pokhara ranked last and fourth last among all districts in Nepal in poverty rate as per the small areas poverty estimation of 2016 [ 42 ].…”

Determinantes e condicionantes da saúde x patologias

“…Segundo o Ministério da Saúde (2010), países em desenvolvimento apresentam maior incidência e prevalência das doenças infecciosas, em decorrência disso, verifica-se que no Nepal, sendo um país em desenvolvimento, há um alto índice de risco para malária, ligado diretamente aos determinantes sociais e ambientais da região (Awasthi, Adefemi, Awasthi & Chalise, 2018).…”

Traditional Beliefs, Practices, and Migration: A Risk to Malaria Transmission in Rural Nepal

“…Sociocultural factors such as living patterns, communal gatherings of males to eat, drink and smoke late into the evenings, and women caring for cattle in the early morning and late evening, increase the risk of mosquito bites and play a key role in disease transmission [ 3 ]. Embedded cultural beliefs and traditions affect decision-making and the type of health care family members received [ 3 , 4 ]. In rural Nepal, extended families usually live in the same household [ 5 ], and as Nepal is a patriarchal society, decision-making, particularly regarding health management, is predominantly the responsibility of elderly males [ 6 ].…”

“…In rural Nepal, extended families usually live in the same household [ 5 ], and as Nepal is a patriarchal society, decision-making, particularly regarding health management, is predominantly the responsibility of elderly males [ 6 ]. Embedded cultural beliefs and traditions affect decision-making and the type of healthcare received can impede the national malaria elimination program [ 4 , 7 , 8 ].…”