MALARIA PREVENTION AND CONTROL PRACTICES AMONG TRIBAL POPULATION IN AKOLE TALUKA, MAHARASHTRA: A STUDY OF CURRENT STRATEGIES AND CHALLENGES

Abstract

Malaria remains a significant public health concern in tribal populations, particularly in rural areas of Maharashtra, India. This study examines the current malaria prevention and control practices among the tribal population in Akole Taluka, Maharashtra. The research aims to assess the existing strategies, identify challenges, and propose recommendations to improve malaria prevention and control efforts. A mixed-methods approach was employed, involving surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions with community members, healthcare providers, and local stakeholders. The study highlights the utilization of preventive measures such as bed nets, indoor residual spraying, and antimalarial medications. However, challenges such as low awareness, limited access to healthcare services, and socioeconomic factors hinder effective malaria control. The findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions, community engagement, and collaboration between healthcare providers, local authorities, and tribal communities to enhance malaria prevention and control practices.

Keywords:

References

Yadav SP, Sharma VP, Sharma RC. Socio-economic factors relating to malaria transmission risk in high and low endemic areas of central India. J Commun Dis. 1996 Dec;28(4):255-9.

Kumar A, Valecha N, Jain T, Dash AP. Burden of malaria in India: retrospective and prospective view. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2007 Nov;77(6 Suppl):69-78.

Neogi SB, Negandhi H, Neogi D, Datta SS, Rao KM. Effectiveness of bed nets in malaria control in rural areas of Maharashtra, India. J Vector Borne Dis. 2011 Sep;48(3):182-6.

Baral R, Choudhury N, Khanra S, Kumar A, Rai RK. Status of Malaria Epidemic and its Allied Environmental Risk Factors in Maharashtra, India. Indian J Public Health. 2018 Oct-Dec;62(4):294-298.

Shukla MM, Singh N. Awareness of Malaria and its Prevention among the Tribal Population of Central India. J Clin Diagn Res. 2017 Feb;11(2):LC18-LC21.