Abstract:
Malaria remains a critical global health concern, and South Africa is not an exception. Malaria contributed to human morbidity, mortality, and economic adversity since time immemorial. It exacts an unacceptable toll on the health of people. This study sought to determine the trends of malaria incidence and effects of vector control coverage in Maruleng Municipality. The study adopted a descriptive retrospective quantitative research design using all malaria cases that have occurred and recorded in Maruleng Municipality from 2013 to 2019. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Scientist (SPSS version 24.0) and the findings were present in frequencies, percentages, pie charts, and graphs. Cross-tabulation and chi-square were employed as statistical tests to verify association between variables. A total of 874 malaria cases and 15 deaths were reported within five years. The study established that Maruleng Municipality is an escalating malaria-risk area since2012-17. However, there was a significantly sharp decrease in malaria morbidity and mortality in 2018 compared to the previous years of the study. The decline was credited to indoor residual spraying (IRS). The Chi-squared test was used to calculate differences in incidence rate and CFR between both sexes and age incidence. Therefore, the study established an association between malaria incidences and biographical information. Malaria incidence was high among males than females and between 0-10 and 21-30 years were the most people at risk. The study concluded that the low death rate and varying morbidity might have been caused by different levels of vector control coverage (IRS) and interventions in different localities. The study noted two insecticides used during the IRS and recommend a holistic approach that includes a combination of other control interventions. These results highlight the need to continue with current control strategies such as IRS until interruption in local malaria transmission is completely achieved and alternative control strategies implemented.
