INVESTIGATE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF VECTORS CONTROL PROGRAM  ( A CASE STUDY OF SOME SELECTED PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN DARAZO LGA, BAUCHI STATE.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

The prevalence of vector-borne illnesses continues to pose a substantial public health concern, especially in less developed nations. Transmission of various life-threatening illnesses, including malaria, dengue, Zika, and Chagas disease, is attributed to vectors such as mosquitoes, ticks, and flies (World Health Organisation, 2020). In light of the increasing prevalence of these illnesses, governments and international health organisations have established several vector control initiatives aimed at diminishing or eradicating vector populations and restricting the transmission of these diseases. Globally, vector-borne illnesses constitute more than 17% of all infectious diseases and result in over 700,000 fatalities each year (WHO, 2020). Malaria, for example, has been a persistent problem in sub-Saharan Africa, with more than 200 million cases documented each year globally (Bhatt et al., 2015). The incidence of dengue fever, a disease that mostly impacts tropical and subtropical areas, has been steadily growing, expanding by a factor of 30 throughout the last five decades (Brady et al., 2012). The substantial impact on both human society and the economy caused by chronic illnesses emphasises the need of promptly adopting efficient control strategies. The primary objective of vector control programs is to mitigate the transmission of vector-borne illnesses by specifically targeting the vectors that are responsible for their dissemination. These initiatives often include a range of approaches, such as environmental management, biological control, chemical control, and community education. The primary goals of these programs are two-fold: to decrease the numbers of vectors and to interrupt the contact between vectors and humans that enables the spread of diseases (Wilson et al., 2020). The assessment of the efficacy of vector control programs is crucial in order to guarantee that these interventions successfully accomplish their desired objectives. Typically, the evaluation entails the monitoring and assessment of numerous important indicators, including decreases in vector populations, decreases in disease incidence, and enhancements in the quality of life for impacted communities. Illustratively, the adoption of ITNs has been attributed with a reduction in malaria fatality rates by almost 50% from 2000 to 2015 (WHO, 2021). Nevertheless, the rise of mosquito populations that are resistant to insecticides has raised challenges in maintaining the progress made, requiring ongoing evaluation and adjustment of control methods (Ranson & Lissenden, 2016). Notwithstanding the achievements of vector control programs, there exist various obstacles that restrict their long-term sustainability. A major obstacle is the development of pesticide resistance among vector populations. Notably, there has been a significant rise in pesticide resistance among mosquitoes in certain regions of Africa, which has decreased the effectiveness of both insecticide-resistant mosquitoes (IRS) and insecticide-tolerant mosquitoes (ITNs) (Hemingway et al., 2016). Moreover, vector control initiatives in low-income countries are often hindered by insufficient financial resources, a shortage of skilled staff, and inadequate infrastructure (Yakob & Walker, 2016). Therefore, the researcher sought to investigate the effectiveness of vectors control program  ( a case study of some selected primary schools in Darazo LGA, Bauchi State.

1.2 Statement of the problem

Despite deliberate attempts to manage vectors and prevent illnesses transmitted by vectors in different areas, the effectiveness of these programs typically depends on contextual elements, allocation of resources, and methods of execution. The success of vector control programs depends on several key elements, such as the use of suitable techniques, active involvement of the community, sustainable management strategies, and consistent monitoring and assessment (Ayi et al, 2010). A comprehensive evaluation of the efficacy of the current vector control strategies used in Darazo Local Government Area, Bauchi State, including mosquito nets, pesticide spraying, environmental cleanliness, and health education programs, is necessary. This assessment will provide insight into the degree to which these strategies reduce parasitic illnesses transmitted by vectors. Effective implementation of vector control programs is greatly dependent on active involvement and awareness within the community (Brooker et al, 2018). Hence, it is essential to assess the extent of community engagement, awareness, and compliance with established vector control measures among students, staff, and neighbours in the neighbourhood of Central Primary School. Strategic distribution of resources, including financial, human, and infrastructural resources, is crucial for maintaining vector control initiatives. Hence, the study investigate the effectiveness of vectors control program  ( a case study of some selected primary schools in Darazo LGA, Bauchi State.  

1.3 Objective of the study

The broad objective of the study is to  investigate the effectiveness of vectors control program  ( a case study of some selected primary schools in Darazo LGA, Bauchi State. The specific objectives is as follows

Evaluate whether vector control measures is implemented in Darazo LGA, Bauchi State.

Determine the level of community participation regarding vector-borne diseases and vector control practices in Darazo LGA, Bauchi State.

Assess the effectiveness of the monitoring mechanisms in place for the vector control program in Darazo LGA, Bauchi State

1.4 Research Questions

The following questions have been prepared to guide the study

What are the vector control measures implemented in Darazo LGA, Bauchi State?

What is the level of community participation regarding vector-borne diseases and vector control practices in Darazo LGA, Bauchi State?

How effective is the monitoring mechanisms in place for the vector control program in Darazo LGA, Bauchi State?

1.5 Significance of the study

The study will be significant to the following

Ministry of Health: Vector-borne diseases pose significant public health challenges, particularly in regions like Bauchi State where they are endemic. By revealling the effectiveness of the vector control program, this study contributes to efforts aimed at reducing the burden of diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and others, ultimately improving public health outcomes in the community.

Academia: the findings of the study will be of benefit to the academic community as it will contribute to the existing literature.

1.6 Scope of the study

The study focuses on the effectiveness of vectors control program  ( a case study of some selected primary schools in Darazo LGA, Bauchi State. Hence, the study will evaluate whether vector control measures is implemented in Darazo LGA, Bauchi State, determine the level of community participation regarding vector-borne diseases and vector control practices in Darazo LGA, Bauchi State and assess the effectiveness of the monitoring mechanisms in place for the vector control program in Darazo LGA, Bauchi State.

Geographically, the study will be delimited to Darazo LGA, Bauchi State.

1.7 Limitation of the study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. The significant constraint are: 

Time: The researcher encountered time constraint as the researcher had to carry out this research along side other academic activities such as attending lectures and other educational activities required of her.

Finance: The researcher incurred more financial expenses in carrying out this study such as typesetting, printing, sourcing for relevant materials, literature, or information and in the data collection process.

Availability of Materials: The researcher encountered challenges in sourcing for literature in this study. The scarcity of literature on the subject due to the nature of the discourse was a limitation to this study.

1.8 Definition of terms

Vector Control Program: A coordinated set of strategies and interventions aimed at preventing or controlling the spread of vector-borne diseases by targeting the vectors (organisms such as mosquitoes, ticks, and flies) that transmit these diseases to humans or animals.

Vector-borne Diseases: Infectious diseases transmitted to humans or animals through the bite of infected vectors, such as mosquitoes (e.g., malaria, dengue fever), ticks (e.g., Lyme disease), and flies (e.g., sleeping sickness).

Community Participation: The active involvement and engagement of individuals, families, community leaders, and organizations in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of vector control programs and health initiatives within their local communities.

Awareness: The level of knowledge, understanding, and perception of vector-borne diseases, their transmission mechanisms, preventive measures, and the importance of vector control practices among individuals and communities.

Resource Allocation: The process of distributing and assigning financial, human, infrastructural, and logistical resources to support the implementation of vector control interventions and sustain the operations of the vector control program.

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