A CROSS SECTIONAL ANALYSIS OF MALARIA TRASMISSION AND HEALTH SERVICE NEEDS AMONG NOMADIC POPULATION IN TARABA STATE OF NIGERIA

Abstract

Malaria is endemic and a major cause of morbidity and death among nomads. Nomadic populations in Nigeria are more susceptible to malaria due to their way of living. They are often excluded from disease control programs because of their high degree of mobility, which makes it more difficult for them to get treatment and preventive measures. Care-seeking behavior patterns, local methods of transmission, and community perceptions of the disease are all taken into account by effective malaria control efforts. To effectively lower the disease burden among the nation's nomads, attention must be paid to the groups most at risk of contracting malaria and the ones least provided with access to basic medical care. The objective of this baseline study is to evaluate the prevalence of malaria and healthcare service needs among the nomadic people in Taraba State. Focus groups, key informant interviews, and household surveys are some of the techniques employed in this study. Incidence, prevalence, and distributions of LGAs with nomad settlements were noted. The acquired data were examined descriptively using percentages, tables, and charts. The findings demonstrate that malaria is a serious public health issue in nomadic groups due to high rates of transmission through environmental exposure, inadequate vector control methods, and restricted access to medical care. The primary risk factors that have been identified include limited access to healthcare and a lack of knowledge and preventive actions, such as bed net use and comprehension of malaria prevention. Improving healthcare services for these vulnerable groups was crucial to reducing the prevalence of malaria and improving overall health outcomes in Taraba State.