Towards elimination of malaria through government’s sensitization campaign in Tanzania case Study of Karagwe District in Kagera Region

Abstract

The Government of Tanzania has been using malaria sensitization campaign as one of the tools to eradicate malaria. In 2008, Tanzania came public with a new anti-malaria sensitization campaign called malaria is not acceptable. However, despite this campaign the disease is still accounting for high mortality rate of all disease in Tanzania. The objective of the study was to assess the Government’s Sensitization Campaign effectiveness in eliminating malaria in Karagwe district. The study used both qualitative and quantitative approaches to achieve its objectives. The sample size for the study was 108 respondents whereby, 90 were community members and 18 key informants involved in the Malaria campaign. Data collection techniques were questionnaire, in-depth interview, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and documentary review. Quantitative data analysis was done by using summary table, figures and graphs. Simple descriptive statistics were also used in terms of percentages and frequencies. Qualitative data, on the other hand, was analyzed using matching information, explanation building and comparison to establish reasons on what has been gathered in the study. The findings revealed that there were stakeholders working with the Government at district level, which were MEDA, Red cross Society, A – Z, PSI, PHC. These organizations participated in community mobilization and distribution of ITNs to community members. The approaches which were mostly used in the campaign were local radios and community meetings. 49 centers were supplied with ITNs. A total number of 3631 free ITNS were distributed to 3631 households and over 89,451 households were sprayed with insecticides. Some constraints identified included lack of access of community members to communication channels, inadequate ITNs, lack of community participation in campaign program, lack of acceptability of ITNs and IRS and corruption. It is concluded that, malaria campaigners should know how best to approach the community with information by involving community members in designing, planning and implementation of the campaign. This will help to counter resistance instead of using force. Furthermore it is recommended that Monitoring and Evaluation must be undertaken by the MoHSW to understand the uptake of ITNs and IRS in a particular community.