Situational analysis of malaria in  Ahmedabad city (India)

Dr Urvish Joshi; Dr Anand Solanki; Dr Margeyi Mehta; Dr Rajashree Bhatt; Dr Umesh Oza; Dr Sheetal Vyas; Dr Bhavesh Modi; Dr Leena Dabhi

Volume : II, Issue : I, January - 2013

Situational analysis of malaria in Ahmedabad city (India)

Dr Urvish Joshi, Dr Anand Solanki, Dr Margeyi Mehta, Dr Rajashree Bhatt, Dr Umesh Oza, Dr Sheetal Vyas, Dr Bhavesh Modi, Dr Leena Dabhi

Abstract :

Introduction Malaria is one of the major public health problems in India. Malaria cases are on rise in major cities including Ahmedabad owing to rapid urbanization, industrialization and humidity. Monsoon patterns are changing due to global warming. Present study was carried out to analyze the situation of malaria in 2011 in selected wards of Ahmedabad in purview of NVBDCP. Methodology Field areas (urban slums) catered under public health service delivery of total 3 wards of south and east zones under AMC (population worth about 3 lakhs) were selected based on systematic random sampling. Situational analysis was done based on the locally adapted tool from national guidelines. Results More than 95% of smears were positive for P. vivax parasite with highest total positivity reporting from Isanpur (38.24%). Parasite incidence was highest in Danilimda (0.64 per 1000). RT completion was least in Amraiwadi (51.11%). Procurement of contact smears was not a uniform practice. The SPR was highest in Isanpur for both active and passive surveillance (7.14% and 2.11% respectively). MBER was highest throughout in Danilimda and lowest in Isanpur. Results were conveyed to the patients within 24 hours by all laboratories except the one of Danilimda ward. ACT packs for children were not available at Amariawadi. No injectable medicines were available at any of the centres. Knowledge about dilution process of the abate solution amongst link workers was faulty. ConclusionAPI more than 2 is an indication for starting IRS activities. Urgent measures are required to improve MBER and eventually ABER. Incomplete RT owing to loss of follow-up issues needs to be addressed with implementation of line-listing. Area of contact smears need to be emphasized upon. The slide positivity rate of active surveillance is significantly lower suggesting poor quality of active surveillance. Quality assurance of blood smear examination should be more stringent. Sufficient stock of medicine has to be ensured at all the centres specially during high transmission season.