The Geographical Analysis of the Malaria Trend in Sri Lanka

Abstract

A tropical disease like malaria is a pervasive problem in developing countries in the tropics even today. Studies have revealed that the trend of malaria spread mostly in the Dry Zone districts. Many people are severely affected by malaria during past decades and are at the risk of being subjected to it time to time. This situation is a major impediment to social and economic development of the area. This study was carried out to analyze the trend of malaria in the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka. For this study secondary data for the period between 1991-2005 were collected from MOH areas and Health Institutions. The data show that in the year of 1935 an outbreack of malaria emerged causing 47,326 victims. Afterwards, gradual decreas in malaria cases is observed. Then again the disease was widespread. Accordingly, there has been a reemergence of malaria occurrence every five year period from 1945-2005. During the period between 2001-2005, the number of malaria cases has dropped to a very low level which was the lowest since 1966 and disappeared from the Dry Zone districts in Sri Lanka. Under these conditions, analyzing of the malaria disease province wise was made and most risky area also identified. Subsequently, malaria continuous to be a major health problem and spread burden in four provinces, namely Northeastern, Northcentral, Northwestern and Northern provinces. Therefore, a long term plan should be formulated to knowledgeable about malaria, especially with the help of existing formal education system targeting younger generation in the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka. Further, preventive measures in spreading malaria should be taken identifying mosquito breading environment and eradicating such breeding grounds.