Current status of malaria among the affected people of Bandarban region

Abstract

Malaria is still considered a public health problem of Bangladesh by the World Health Organization. Among 13 vulnerable districts of Bangladesh, 3 hill districts are highly affected by this disease. Malaria-infected people from Bandarban pouroshova, Thanchi bazar and their nearby areas (samples, n=144) were questioned at random to understand the present situation. Obtained data were analyzed by SPSS software. The study investigated the age group and gender who were infected by malaria, most used treatment type, infection causes, duration of illness, malaria knowledge, initiation of treatment after malaria infection etc. Delayed Seeking for treatment is the most common scenario among hill-tribes. 90.3% of infected people knew about the symptoms of malaria, 46.5% knew about the waterborne disease, 93.8% of infected people know that what the causes of malaria are. Most of the samples get information from NGO who are doing a remarkable job in this sector. They have a separate unit for malaria prevention in each of their regional offices. People of these regions know about Malaria and other related information. A reduction of more than 50% in malaria cases and 54% in related deaths since 2010. Though the infection reduction rate is satisfactory, the malaria cases in Bandarban are fluctuating and still need to be dealt with care.