The American Journal of Medical Sciences and Pharmaceutical Research
30
https://www.theamericanjournals.com/index.php/tajmspr
TYPE
Original Research
PAGE NO.
30-36
10.37547/tajmspr/Volume07Issue02-04
OPEN ACCESS
SUBMITED
07 December 2024
ACCEPTED
09 January 2025
PUBLISHED
11 February 2025
VOLUME
Vol.07 Issue02 2025
CITATION
Abubakar Danjuma Bundaram. (2025). Malaria in Kebbi state: A study of a
demonstrable presence of malaria parasite among the residents of some
communities around selected health facilities in kebbi state. The American
Journal of Medical Sciences and Pharmaceutical Research, 7(02), 30
–
36.
https://doi.org/10.37547/tajmspr/Volume07Issue02-04
COPYRIGHT
© 2025 Original content from this work may be used under the terms
of the creative commons attributes 4.0 License.
Malaria in Kebbi state: A
study of a demonstrable
presence of malaria
parasite among the
residents of some
communities around
selected health facilities in
kebbi state
Abubakar Danjuma Bundaram
PhD student of city university Cambodia, Department of public health,
Cambodia
Abstract:
Malaria infection is a major public health
emergency that requires prime- concern due to its high
cause of morbidity and mortality. This study
investigated the recurrence of malaria infection in
patients attending selected Kebbi State health facilities,
Kebbi state Nigeria. Random sampling techniques were
used. A total of 1200 samples were collected; thick films
stained with Field stain A&B) and thin films (stained
with3% Giemsa) were examined microscopically. Out of
this samples 530 (44.16%) were infected, with total
parasite density of 2107518/ul. plasmodium falciparon
was the only species found. The highest infection 61
(61%) was Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital (SYMH) Birnin
kebbi with statewide infection 61 (5.08%) and parasite
density 248616/ul followed by Kebbi Medical Center
along Kalgo road Birnin kebbi, 59 (59%)with statewide
infection of 59 (4.92%)and parasite density 203540/ul
and the least was General Hospital Jega 24 (24%) with
state wide infection of 24 (2%) and parasite density,
137696/ul (p<0.05). Kebbi South had the highest
infection rate, 215 (53.75%) with statewide infection of
215 (17.92%) and parasite density, 802100/ul whereas
the least was recorded in Kebbi East134 (33.5%) with
parasite density 685600/ul and statewide infection of
134 (11.16%). Consistent statewide investigation and
sustained awareness should be carried out to track
progress and identify areas of data driven intervention
needs for smart decision to combat malaria.
The American Journal of Medical Sciences and Pharmaceutical Research
31
https://www.theamericanjournals.com/index.php/tajmspr
The American Journal of Medical Sciences and Pharmaceutical Research
Keywords:
Malaria parasite, Kebbi state, health
facilities.
Introduction:
Malaria is a major public health problem
and cause of suffering and premature death in tropical
and sub-tropical countries (Nwaorgu and Orajaka
2011). It is caused by parasite Plasmodium transmitted
through the bite of an infected female Anopheles
mosquito (WHO 2018) Globally, there were 229
million, 244 million and 249 million cases in 2019, 2021
and 2022, respectively (Kassam et al 2021; WHO 2023).
Despite being preventable and curable, Nigerian
accounted for 25% of global malaria cases followed by
Democratic Republic of Congo with 11% in 2017 (WHO
2018). And Kebbi state hold first position in malaria
infection in the whole federation of Nigeria. The most
vulnerable groups are children who accounted for 61%
(266,000) global malaria deaths. Other vulnerable
groups are pregnant women, travelers, people living
with HIV/AIDs (WHO 2018). There are five Plasmodium
species (Plasmodium falciparum, P. ovale, P. vivax, P.
malariae and P. knowlesi) known to cause malaria in
humans. The most deadly and prevalent on African
continent is the P. falciparum. Symptoms of malaria
include fever, chills, headache, fatigue, confusion,
seizures, and difficulty in breathing black blood urine
and jaundice {WHO 2018, 2023}.
Although malaria programmes were disrupted by
COVID 19 pandemic, it was estimated that 174 million
and 184 million cases were averted in 2020 and 2021,
respectively. Deaths averted were 886,000 in 2020 and
948,000 in 2021(World Malaria Report, 2023). The
pursuit for malaria free world encouraged this
research to be carried out long time ago.
Malaria can be prevented by sleeping under Long
Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs), windows and doors
screening, indoor spray of insecticide, wearing
protective clothing and use of chemoprophylaxis.
Elimination of vector breeding sites such as collections
of water around human habitat can also help break
transmission (WHO2018).
Malaria vaccines RTS/SAS01and RS21/Matrix-M are
recommended for prevention in young children. The
best treatment for P. falciparum malaria is artemisinin-
based combination therapy (WHO 2018, 2023).
There have been report of high malaria prevalence in
Kebbi State 78.2% (Yusuf Kanya et al 2022). 43.1%
(Rupashree Singh et al. J Vector Borne 2014)and 56.28%
( Iboyi Nathaniel Onuche
Admiralty university of Nigeria 2017). This study was
necessitated by the need for more investigation on
malaria infection (with parasite density inclusive) to
provide information, which will influence policy
development for data driven interventions in effort to
control/elimination malaria in Kebbi state in particular
and Nigeria in general.
METHOD
Study areas
Kebbi State is located in Northwestern part of Nigeria
with coordinates 12.4376*N and 4.2078*E. It is
bounded by Sokoto state to the east and North, Zamfara
state to the east, Niger state to the South, Benin
Republic to the South West and Niger Republic to the
West. It is made up of 21 Local Government Areas and
three land administration zones, 35 districts and 4
Emirates Councils. Figure 1 shows study location in
Kebbi State. It has a land mass of 37,6999km2 with
projected population of 6,001,610 2023. Kebbi state has
a total annual rainfall of 787.53 and 112.21mm and an
annual mean temperature of
65°F to 104°F.e.
The American Journal of Medical Sciences and Pharmaceutical Research
32
https://www.theamericanjournals.com/index.php/tajmspr
The American Journal of Medical Sciences and Pharmaceutical Research
fig1. Map of Kebbi State showing the sampling area with an insert of map of Nigeria showing
Kebbi state
.
Source: ESRI Open Street Map.
Study design
Random sampling technique was used. Twelve (12)
secondary health facilities (100 samples from each)
were randomly selected. Kebbi State was stratified into
3 geographical zones; Kebbi Central, Kebbi North and
Kebbi South for administrative conveniences. Kebbi
Central consists of Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital
(SYMH) Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi Medical Center, Birnin
kebbi, General Hospital Zauro, General Hospitals Jega,
General Hospital Aleiro, General Hospital Bunza,
General Hospital Mayama. sKebbi Nortrh Consist of
General Hospital Argungu, General Hospital Kamba,
General Hospital Dakingari. Kebbi South consists of
General Hospital Zuru ( mata Bamaiyi memorial
hospital), General Hospital Yawuri and General
Hospital Danko- Wasagu.
Sample size was determined using Ya
mane’s formula:
n = N/I+N (e)2
where n= sample size, N= population size, e= level of
precision (Glenn 2003). The total number of samples
collected was 1200.
Sample collection
From each consented subject, 5ml of venous blood was
collected with the assistance of licensed Medical
Laboratory Scientist in the health facilities visited for
laboratory investigation.
Inclusion criteria
Only subject that are permanent residents of the study
area were included.
Exclusion criteria
Subject that are on malaria treatment and visitors (e.g
travellers) who report to the health facilities and
thereafter will leave the study area were excluded.
Ethical Clearance
Approval to conduct the research at the selected health
facilities was obtained from Kebbi state Ministry of
Health as well as Selected health facilities Management
Team.
Laboratory Procedure
The American Journal of Medical Sciences and Pharmaceutical Research
33
https://www.theamericanjournals.com/index.php/tajmspr
The American Journal of Medical Sciences and Pharmaceutical Research
From each subject, 5ml of venous blood was collected.
Thick and thin blood films were prepared. Thick films
were stained with Field stains A and B whereas thin
films were stained with Field stains A and B whereas
thin films were stained with 3% Giemsa. Both films
were observed by oil immersion microscopy. Thick
films were observed for species differentiation. Results
obtained were kept confidential in record books.
Parasite count x 8000/Set range of white blood cells
(WBC) = parasite density/u/ (WHO 2016).
Data Analysis
Analysis of variance, descriptive statistics and charts
were for comparison of malaria parasite among
subjects from different locations in the study area.
RESULTS
Out of 1200 samples examined in Kebbi State, 530
(44.16%) were infected with total parasite density
2107518/ul. Plasmodium falciparum was the only
species found. Parasite by location within Kebbi State
showed that subject who reported to Sir Yahaya
Memorial Hospital Birnin kebbi Hospital had the
highest infection 61(61%) with parasite density
248616/ul and statewide infection of 61(5.08%)
followed by subjects who reported to General Hospital
Yawuri in Kebbi South with infection 59 (59%),
203540/ul parasite density and statewide infection of
59 (4.92%). The least infection was recorded among
subjects who reported to General Hospital Mayama
with 24 (24%), parasite density 137696/ul and statewide
infection of 24 (2%). The difference in prevalence rate
and parasite density between the study locations were
statistically significant (p<0.05, Table 1).
Infection rate in the 3 geographical zones (Kebbi
Central, Kebbi North, Kebbi South) Showed highest
infection recorded in Kebbi Central 53.75with
statewide
infection
of
17.92% and parasite density of 802100/ul followed by
Kebbi South South with 45.25% infection, statewide
infection, 15.08% and parasite
density of 619818/ul. The least infection (33.5%) was
11.16% and parasite density of 685600/ul (p<0.05,
recoded in Kebbi North swith statewide infection,
Table 2 and figure 2).
S/N Location No.
No. infected
Statewide% P.D./ul p-Valve
Infected (%)
SYMH
100
38(38)
3.16 227672
Birnin kebbi
KMC
100 28(28)
2.3 126408
Birnin kebbi
100
44(44)
3.67
193824
GH Zauro
100
24(24)
2.00
137696
GH Aleiro
100
47(47)
3.92
1645584
GH Jega
100
54(54)
4.5
203331
GH Mayama
100
37(37)
3.08
85647
GH Bunza
100
43(43)
3.58
166256
GH
Dakingari
100
61(61)
5.08 248616
The American Journal of Medical Sciences and Pharmaceutical Research
34
https://www.theamericanjournals.com/index.php/tajmspr
The American Journal of Medical Sciences and Pharmaceutical Research
GH Yawuri
100
59(59)
4.92
203540
GH Zuru
100
39(39)
3.25
131280
GH Danko wasagu
100
56(56)
4.67
218664
Total
1200
53(44.16)
44.16 2107518 0.000
S/No=Serial number, %=Percentage, P.D. =Parasite density,ul=Microlitre,
GH=General hospital ZH=Zonal hospital,LGA=Local government Area
Table 2
: Malaria parasites among selected persons of Kebbi State by zones
S/N zone No. examined No. infected(%) Statewide P-Valve
1 Kebbi central 400
134(33.5)
11.16
0.000
2 Kebbi South 400
181(45.25) 15.08
3 kebbi west
400
215(35.75) 17.92
Total
1200
530(44.16) 44.16
S/No=Serial number,%=percentage
900000-
800000-
00000-
600000-
500000-
400000-
300000-
200000-
100000-
0-
Kebbi South kebbi North kebbi Central
Figure 2.
Parasite densities (ul) among residents of the three zones of Kebbi State
DISCUSSION
In this study, the overall prevalence of malaria in Kebbi
State, which was 44.16%, is relatively high. However, it
is lower than 56.3%and 78.1% reported by Yusuf kanya
et al (2022)
, Rajendra Bahadur Singh1,
et al (2014), respectively, an indication that the infection
is decreasing within the state. This finding concurs with
the overall infection rate reported in the neighboring
Sokoto state (AJOL et al 2022). The high infection rate in
P
a
ra
si
te den
si
ty
(
٣
)
(
)
The American Journal of Medical Sciences and Pharmaceutical Research
35
https://www.theamericanjournals.com/index.php/tajmspr
The American Journal of Medical Sciences and Pharmaceutical Research
Kebbi State could be a reflection of a long wet season
in some areas like Yawuri, Aleiro Argungu, Suru, Bunza
and Birnin kebbi With abundant smaller rivers and the
practices of farming and fishing in the rural
communities, which provide favorable mosquitoes
breeding sites and consequent transmission of malaria
parasite.
In relation to location, the results from SYMH with
61%infection, parasite density, 203540/ul and
Statewide infection of 5.08% differs from the 82.7%
infection and state level infection of 10.17% reported
in Primary Health Care Centre (PHC) Gwadangwaji
Birninkebbi LGA reported by IHP (2022). The second
highest infection of 59% was observed in subjects who
reported to KMC Birnin kebbi with statewide infection
of 4.92% and parasite density, 203540/ul. This is at
variance with 61.96% reported for Kebbi Central by
Yusuf kanya et al (2022), 53.3% in the neighbouring
Aleiro by Rupashree sing et al (2017) and 35.5% in
Mayama (Achigili okau et al 2017). Anopheles
mosquitoes could find it easy to thrive in Yawuri due to
the reported ambient temperature (29 0C) and
humidity (89%) in addition to consistent early rainfall,
consequently transmit malaria to the citizens who
mostly practice farming and fishing as their major
economic engagements.
The least infection, 24% with statewide infection of 2%
and parasite density of 137696/ul was recorded for
subjects who reported to General Hospital Kangiwa in
Kangiwa LGA.This concurs with the 24% infection
reported for Silami Community of Sokoto West, Nigeria
(AJOL et al 2021), but higher than the 12.4%
prevalence reported for Gulma community in Kebbi
State (Rupashree sing 2017). It also differs from the
22.5% reported by Enoch ET AL (2020) in Doubeli PHC,
Adamawa State, Northern Eastern Nigeria.
Infection by zones showed that Kebbi Central had the
highest infection rate (53%) with statewide infection
and total parasite density of 17.92% and of 802100/ul,
respectively. This findings concurs with earlier reports
of Gboeloh et al (2022)
CONCLUSION
Malaria remains a public health concern in Nigerian
communities. Considering the high rate of malaria
infection in Kebbi State, more interventions are
needed in areas of research, awareness and
prevention. Data generated from this research can
guide interest groups and governmental organizations
in carrying out targeted intervention programmes.
Conflicts of interest
The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest
REFERENCES
USAID/PMI/Vector Link/OEA,2022).
Feasibility
Survey
on
Laelrval
Source
Management/Mapping and Remote Sensing of
Anopheles Mosquito Breeding Sites in Argungu, Bunza
and Kalgo LGAs, Kebbi state, Nigeria.
USAID -PMI- Vector Link Project, Abuja, Nigeria (2018-
22) Insecticide Resistance Monitoring, Surveillance and
Larval Source Management (LSM) Activities in Kebbi
state, Nigeria.
USAID President's Malaria Initiative FY (2020) Nigeria
Operational Plan.
World Health Organization (2003) " Global defense
against the infectious disease threat".
Enock, N., Pukuma,S.M., Augustine I.M., Gundriri L.B.,
Zamdayu, N.M and
Daniel, J.L 2020Prevalence and associated risk of
malaria infection among pregnant women attending
antenatal clinic in Yola North, Adamawa State, Nigeria
zoologist
18:19-
25.http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/tzool.v18il4.
WHO's Strategies and Actions in Malaria Control
Programme (Source: 2010)
World Health Organization (2019) Fact Sheet of
Malaria. World Malaria Report (2019)
Glenn, D.I. 2003. Determining sample size. Programme
evaluation development, Florida PEOD-6 pp 4.
https://www.citypopulation.de.en./nigeria/admin/NGA
033 rivers/. Accessed 24 March, 2024.
Kassam, N.A., Kaaya, R.D., Damian, D.J., Schmiegelow,
C., Karishe, R.A.,
Alifrangis, M. and Wang, C.W.2021.Ten years of
monitoring malaria trend and factors associated with
malaria test positive rates in lower Moshi. Malar J. 20
(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12936-021-03730-1.
Nwaorgu, O.C and Orajaka, B.N 2011: Prevalence of
Malaria among Children
1-10 years old in communities of Awka, Anambra State,
South-East, Nigeria. Afr. Res. Rev. 5(22): 264-265.
Yuen, C and Liu Q (2012) . Magnetic field enriched
surface enhanced resonance diagnosis. J Biomed Opt,
17: 017005
Yusuf Kanya Danladi, Achigili okau Attah, Falke Z.
Assessment of Gender and Age - Related Prevalence of
Malaria in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria
January 2022.
Rupashree Singh et al. J Vector Borne Dis. 2014
High prevalence of asymptomatic malaria in apparently
healthy schoolchildren in Aliero, Kebbi state, Nigeria
Iboyi
Nathaniel
Onuche.
The American Journal of Medical Sciences and Pharmaceutical Research
36
https://www.theamericanjournals.com/index.php/tajmspr
The American Journal of Medical Sciences and Pharmaceutical Research
Retrospective Study of Plasmodium Parasites Infection
in Ngaski Local Government of Kebbi State, North-
West, Nigeria August 2017
U. B. Abdullahi *, J. O. Zainab, J. K. Rai, M. Gwani, A. G.
Gado. Effect of Some Atmospheric Variables on
Malaria Prevalence in
Kebbi State Nigeria International Journal of
Environment and Bioenergy, 2013, 8(1):12-21
WHO2016. Malaria parasite counting. Malaria
Microscopy Standard Operating Procedure
–
MM
