Review of the malaria epidemiology and trends in Zambia

A comprehensive desk review of malaria trends was conducted between 2000-2010 in Zambia to study malaria epidemiology and trends to guide strategies and approaches for effective malaria control.This review considered data from the National Health Information Management System,Malaria Surveys and Programme Review reports and analyzed malaria in-patient cases and deaths in relation to intervention coverage for all ages.Data showed three distinct epidemiological strata after a notable malaria reduction(66%)in in-patient cases and deaths,particularly between 2000-2008.These changes occurred following the(re-)introduction and expansion of indoor residual spraying up to 90%coverage,scale-up of coverage of long-lasting insecticidetreated nets in household from 50%to 70%,and artemisin-based combination therapy nationwide.However,malaria cases and deaths re-surged,increasing in 2009-2010 in the northern-eastern parts of Zambia.Delays in the disbursement of funds affected the implementation of interventions,which resulted in resurgence of cases and deaths.In spite of a decline in malaria disease burden over the past decade in Zambia,a reversal in impact is notable in the year 2009-2010,signifying that control gains are fragile and must be sustained toeliminate malaria.

Prevalence and predictors of smoking in a mining town in Kitwe, Zambia: A 2011 population-based survey

Smoking is one of the major preventable causes of death and non-communicable diseases which include hypertension, cardiovascular diseases and cancers. The aim of the study is to establish prevalence and predictors of smoking so that interventions specific to these communities can be executed to prevent smoking. A cross sectional study was conducted using a modified World Health Organizations Global Non Communicable Diseases (NCD) Surveillance Initiative NCD-STEPs 1 and 2. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the determinants of tobacco smoking. A total of 1627 individuals participated in the survey, of which 42.3% were males. About half of the participants were of age 25-34 years (56.0%), and 41.7% had attained secondary level of education. Overall, 8.7% of the participants (18.1% among males and 1.8% among females) currently smoked any tobacco product. Female respondents were 71% (AOR = 0.29, 95%CI [0.21, 0.39]) less likely to smoke cigarettes compared to male respondents. Compared to respondents who had no formal education, respondents who had attained primary level of education were 45% (AOR = 1.45, 95%CI [1.02, 2.08]) more likely to smoke, and those who attained college or university level of education were 57% (AOR = 0.43, 95%CI [0.28, 0.65]) less likely to smoke. Respondents who did not consume alcohol were 50% (AOR = 0.50, 95%CI [0.41, 0.61]) less likely to smoke compared to those who consumed alcohol. The study showed that sex, education, and alcohol consumption were independently associated with Smoking. These are the key determinants which should be considered when designing a health education and awareness campaign to the residents.