Wandiga, Shem O.; Olago, Daniel; Githeko, Andrew; Githui, Faith; Marshall, Michael; Downs, Tim; Opere, A.; Yanda, Pius Z.; Kangalawe, Richard Y. M.; Kambuli, R.; Kathuri, James; Apindi, Eugene; Kirumira, Edward; Opondo, Maggie; Olaka, Lydia; Ogallo, L.; Mugambi, Paul; Sigalla, Rehema; Nanyunja, Robinah; Baguma, Timothy; Achola, Pius
Description:
In tropical and subtropical countries, malaria continues as a leading cause of
morbidity and mortality. Out of the 1 million annual malaria deaths, approximately 90
percent occur in Africa and nearly three-quarters of these are children under the age of
five (WHO, 1996; McMichael et al., 1996;), making it one of the most common causes of
morbidity and mortality among children. In Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania malaria is
endemic in most regions, accounting for one-third or more of outpatient morbidity in the
population. In 2002 and 2003, there were 5.7 and 7.1 million cases of malaria in Uganda,
resulting in 6,735 and 8,500 deaths, respectively. Whereas, in Tanzania, malaria causes
between 70,000 and 125,000 deaths annually, accounting for 19 percent of the health
expenditure (De Savigny et al., 2004). Recent increased frequency of malaria in the
highlands is a matter of serious concern