Burden of Malaria in Pregnancy in Jharkhand State, India - Essay Example

The researcher states that the study conducted by Hamer et al. occurred in three hospitals. The study employed cross sectional surveys. Jharkhand state was selected because malaria accounted for 44% of the illnesses in pregnant women. The study employed the various strategies to prevent malaria. The first strategy involved vector control. This was achieved by the use of larvicides and indoor residual spraying (IRS). Synthetic pyrethroid and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) were used in IRS.

The second strategy included the use of insecticide treated mosquito nets. The third strategy concentrated on early detection and immediate treatment of malaria. The medications used were chloroquine and primaquine. The Jharkhand state Vector Borne Control Program had previously received a boost from the World Bank’s Enhanced Malaria Control Project. The study concentrated on pregnant women who came for antenatal services, those in the delivery units and those in inpatient ante partum wards.

The study found out that there was a low prevalence of malaria in women who attended antenatal care and those who gave birth while in hospitals. However, the study found out that there was still low usage of insecticide treated nets. The success of the strategies involved depended on two factors. First, the World Bank had supported the state’s Vector Borne Control Program. The provision of Insecticide treated nets, cost effective anti-malarial drugs and a timely diagnosis may present logistical challenges.

However, funding from the World Bank boosted the success of the strategies. Second, the success relied on the combined use of the strategies. This was achieved through the control of vectors, timely diagnosis and treatment of the disease. The necessary components required included the participation of the local community under study, the medical profession, the participation of the state’s Vector Borne Control Program stakeholders and the World Bank. The World Bank funded the state’s Vector Borne Control Program.

The medical profession assisted in providing records of the pregnant women who participated in the study. If given a chance to formulate strategies for controlling malaria, the strategies used by Hamer et al. can be extremely helpful. The fight gainst malaria in a malaria endemic region depends on three factors; the control of vectors, timely diagnosis and immediate treatment). Timely diagnosis requires the use of up to date equipment to ensure the accuracy of the results. On the other hand, prompt treatment depends on the availability of safe and affordable anti-malarial drugs.

The prevention of the vector requires the provision of long lasting insecticide treated nets and constant spraying of homesteads. However, to enhance vector elimination, treated mosquito nets can be used together with mosquito coils. Mosquito coils have been proved to kill and repel mosquitoes. In addition, plasmodium has gained resistance against chloroquine in the recent past thus; an alternative like artemisinin medication needs to be utilized. The possible