POPULATION ESTIMATION AND EVALUATION OF CAUSES OF MALARIATRANSMISSION AMONG NOMADS IN TARABA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The spread of malaria and associated factors among the nomadic people in Taraba State, Nigeria, are investigated in this baseline study. Nomadic groups confront major health issues, especially with regard to malaria, because of their mobility, restricted access to healthcare, and distinct socioeconomic circumstances. The study included a mixed-methods approach to evaluate the prevalence of malaria, related risk factors, and healthcare-seeking behavior. These methods included focus groups, key informant interviews, and household surveys. The results show that high malaria prevalence, particularly during the rainy season, driven by environmental and behavioral factors. Poor health-seeking behaviors due to distance, financial barriers, and cultural perceptions. Low utilization of preventive measures like Treated Mosquito nets, cleaning of surrounding, poor/ lack of functional health facilities are the most contributed factors to the prevalence of Malaria transmission among nomadic population in Taraba state. Other environmental influences include seasonal movement patterns and closeness to water bodies, which enhance mosquito exposure, and socioeconomic restraints, such as cultural norms and financial hurdles that restrict access to treatment. The report emphasizes the critical need for focused interventions, such as community-based malaria surveillance, mobile health services, culturally appropriate health education, and easier access to insecticide-treated nets. In order to lower the prevalence of malaria and enhance general health outcomes in Taraba State, it were essential to improve healthcare delivery for these susceptible groups.