The epidemiology of tropical parasitic diseases in rural Zambia and the consequences for public health
Wenlock, R.W.
Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 82(5): 90-98
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-5304 PMID: 490753 Document Number: 142728
The results of the National Food and Nutrition Programme of Zambia are presented to give the incidence of malnutrition and the epidemiology of malaria, Schistosoma haematobium and hookworm in a representative sample of the rural population. Malaria is found throughout rural Zambia and is holo-endemic in the Eastern Province, and hyperendemic in North Western Province and the Ndola Rural Area. In the rest of the country the disease is of a lower intensity. Immunity to the disease appears to be acquired among older people in the holo- and hyperendemic regions, but not in the regions of lower intensity. S. haematobium is not endemic in the Northern Province but is hyperendemic in the Southern Province where a classic pattern of acquired protective immunity seems to be established. Other areas also exhibit a similar, though less pronounced pattern. Hookworm is endemic among all the populations studied. The impact of these diseases on mortality and morbidity is summarized and discussed in relation to other results from this nutritional programme, and regions of greatest need are identified for the deployment of public health resources. Malaria seems to be the most important public health problem in rural Zambia and its control programme should be revitalized and given priority. [AS].