Malaria Risks Linked to Environmental Factors in Mozambique

Malaria is a serious disease that spreads to people through the bite of certain mosquitoes. In Mozambique, malaria is a big problem, especially during the rainy season from December to April. In 2021, about 32% of people in the country had malaria, making it one of the top four nations for malaria cases in the world.

The spread of malaria is affected by many environmental factors. Things like temperature, rainfall, and humidity can impact how long mosquitoes live and how many of them there are. Changes in the climate can lead to more malaria cases, which is a concern for public health.

#Climate Change and Vulnerability

The Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN) looks at how ready countries are to deal with climate change. They consider economics, social factors, and how much a country depends on activities that climate change can affect. In 2020, Mozambique was ranked among the most vulnerable countries to climate change, meaning it is likely to suffer more from its effects and is not fully prepared to handle these changes.

#Underutilization of Environmental Studies

Despite the challenges posed by malaria and climate issues, there is not much research looking into how environmental factors affect malaria risk in Mozambique. One study in Sussundenga Village found links between rainfall, land type, and malaria risk, but broader studies have been lacking.

The aim of this study was to combine information on individuals, households, and the environment to see how these factors affect malaria infection in Sussundenga.

#Description of the Study Area

Sussundenga village is located in Manica Province, Mozambique. It is 42 km from the capital city and near the border with Zimbabwe. The village has around 31,429 residents, with a slightly higher number of females than males. Most people here are older than 15 years.

The district has lower elevation and a tropical climate, which means it gets a lot of rain throughout the year, especially from November to April. On average, the area receives about 1200 mm of rain each year, and temperatures hover around 21.2 °C.

#Data Collection Process

Data was collected from various sources, including US geological surveys that provided information on climate, Land Cover, and elevation. Key data points included:

• Land Surface Temperature (LST): This data showed temperature changes on land during the day and night.
• Evapotranspiration (ET): This refers to the water vapor released from the soil and plants.
• Vegetation (NDVI): This measured how green the vegetation was.
• Land Cover (LC): This explained the types of land in the area, like forests, grasslands, or urban areas.

Information about individuals and malaria infection status was collected through a survey that took place from December 2019 to February 2020. Households were randomly chosen for the survey, and trained staff conducted interviews and took blood samples to test for malaria.

#Analyzing the Data

The collected data was analyzed to see how environmental factors influenced malaria infections. Various statistical tests helped to compare different factors such as age, sex, and living conditions between those who tested positive for malaria and those who did not.

#Demographic Overview

Out of 303 people tested, 94 (31%) were found to have malaria. The average age of those who tested positive was 12 years, while the average age of those who tested negative was 20 years. There was no difference in the number of males and females who were infected.

The most common job for the heads of households was farming. Those who tested positive generally had lower education levels compared to those who did not.

#Environmental Factors Related to Malaria

The study aimed to assess the relationship between environmental aspects and malaria infection. After analyzing the data, only land type was strongly linked to having malaria.

Individuals living in grassy areas were more likely to test positive for malaria compared to those living in other types of land. A more significant link was found when considering whether the houses had holes in the walls-those in grassland areas with holes in their walls had much higher odds of contracting malaria.

#Effects of Housing on Malaria Infection

Housing conditions play a crucial role in determining malaria risk. People in houses with holes in the walls, especially in grassy or cropland areas, were more susceptible to malaria. Thus, improving housing by sealing off holes could help reduce malaria transmission.

#Limitations of the Study

Like all studies, this research had limitations. The satellite data used to gather information couldn't provide complete results due to cloud cover, which sometimes blocked necessary readings.

Additionally, the short time frame of the study meant that seasonal variations couldn't be fully assessed, leaving out important variables that might affect malaria infection rates over time.

#Conclusion

The study highlights the importance of using environmental data to track malaria spread. Focusing on local conditions can help with planning and implementing better control measures.

By understanding how land type and housing affect malaria risk, local governments can create targeted strategies to reduce transmission. This could lead to better health outcomes and help tackle other diseases spread by mosquitoes as well.

Improving housing conditions, especially in high-risk areas, is a practical step that could yield benefits not just for malaria but for other vector-borne diseases too. The findings from this study can help build a framework for effective malaria control programs tailored for the specific challenges faced in Sussundenga District, Mozambique.