Abstract:
Nigeria is located primarily within the lowland humid tropics and generally characterized by a high temperature throughout the year. Record shows that malaria accounted for over 45% of all out-patients and about 50% of the Nigerians suffer from at least one episode of malaria each year. Over the years, the increase in population, rainfall fluctuation and urban heat cum high thermal discomfort that has been experiencing recently and the problem of unhygienic environment are noted to have contributed to the increase in malaria morbidity in Akure. This study based on an evaluation of the existing framework on malaria incidence using meteorology data between 1986 and 2008 and hospital records between 2000 and 2008 as well as relevant field studies. Malaria cases increased from 24,092 (of which male and female accounted for 12,477 and 11,615 respectively) in year 2000 to 62,121 (of which male and female accounted for 30,413 and 31,708, respectively) in year 2008. It was noted over the area that, the rainfall trend has reduced by -0.008 cm annually (the highest and lowest rainfall was received in 1997 and 2003 respectively within the 23 years studied). Temperature shows little deviation but on the average decreases by -0.002°C (the year 1994 and 1995 experienced highest temperature while 2007 recorded the lowest). Also, malaria morbidity index shows an increase of 0.005 annually between 2000 and 2008. The study also discusses various future climate change scenario associated risks in Akure if the issue is not well addressed at appropriate time.
A.O. Ayeni , 2011. Malaria Morbidity in Akure, Southwest, Nigeria: A Temporal Observation in a Climate Change Scenario. Trends in Applied Sciences Research, 6: 488-494.
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