Child Health Malaria Course

INTRODUCTION:
In Unit 1 you learnt the principles of clinical problem solving. You should use those principles in this unit with special reference to malaria. Malaria is a complex problem that requires a variety of interventions if it is to be properly handled. In order to control and prevent malaria, there should be proper case management, vector control, and education of communities. To achieve control of malaria, any activity involved should break the man-mosquito cycle of transmission and its achievements must be sustained.

In this unit, you will learn about malaria with emphasis on its early recognition (diagnosis), case management, control and prevention, especially in children under 5 years of age and in pregnant women.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
By the end of this unit, you should be able to:


 * Describe the malaria situation in Kenya.
 * Describe the cause and mode of transmission of malaria.
 * Explain the clinical features of malaria.
 * Identify other diseases that present like (or mimic) malaria.
 * Describe the treatment of mild (uncomplicated) malaria.
 * Describe the common complications of malaria.
 * Describe the criteria for referral of severe (complicated) malaria.
 * Describe the treatment of severe (complicated) malaria
 * Explain how malaria can be prevented.
 * Describe possible causes of treatment failure to malaria.

Section 6.1 Malaria in Kenya