Ahorlu, C: Cultural Epidemiology for Malaria Control

Malaria is a threat to more than 40% of the world s population and responsible for more than 300 million acute cases each year, which resulted in 1.2 million deaths in 2002. Over 80% of the malaria-related morbidity and mortality occur in sub-Saharan Africa. The malaria situation in Ghana is typical of sub-Saharan Africa, where malaria is ranked first among the top ten diseases seen in most health facilities. The overall goal of this study was to determine the occurrence, distribution, and determinants of MRI experiences, meanings and behaviours, inasmuch as these affect risk, and protective behaviours relevant for intervention. Results indicate that Malaria is recognised as a leading health problem in these communities. Convulsions were identified as a component of the malaria-related illness complex. This is the first time that the cultural epidemiology framework has been applied to study the sociocultural aspects of malaria. The implications of the findings for interventions are discussed in individual papers presented in the book, and in consisting of a discussion of the overall study and conclusions.