ASSESSING IPTP WITH SULPHADOXINE PYRIMETHAMINE: A CASE-CONTROL STUDY ON MALARIA AND ANEMIA IN PREGNANT WOMEN IN MADINA

Abstract

Malaria, a parasitic infection transmitted through the bites of female Anopheles mosquitoes carrying Plasmodium species, remains a significant global health challenge, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where it accounts for the majority of malaria-related deaths. While Plasmodium falciparum is the predominant cause of malaria in this region, Plasmodium vivax prevails in other parts of the world such as Central and South America, North Africa, and the Middle East. The prevalence of malaria is influenced by various factors including altitude, age, and topography, with tropical regions characterized by high rainfall and colder climates posing a greater risk of parasitic infection.  The life cycle of the Anopheles mosquito comprises four stages: eggs, larvae, pupa, and adult (imago), with transmission occurring during the adult stage when the mosquito takes blood meals from humans. Climate conditions, including temperature and rainfall patterns, significantly impact the transmission dynamics of malaria. Certain population groups, such as pregnant women, children under five years old, immunocompromised individuals, and unexposed immigrants, are particularly vulnerable to malaria.  Fortunately, malaria is both preventable and treatable through a combination of interventions including intermittent preventive treatment, vaccination, insecticide-treated nets and sprays, and antimalarial drugs. However, achieving effective malaria control requires a multifaceted approach that addresses both prevention and treatment strategies.  This abstract provides insights into the epidemiology, transmission dynamics, and control measures of malaria, emphasizing the importance of targeted interventions to mitigate the burden of this disease on vulnerable populations.