European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

IMPACTS OF MALARIA ON PREGNANT WOMEN LEAD TO MATERNAL DEATH IN MANGOCHI DISTRICT

Dr. M. Narayani*

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Malaria in pregnancy is a significant cause of maternal mortality. Malawi is one of the countries in Sub-Saharan Africa with the largest burden of malarial disease, with over 90% of the world’s malaria related deaths occurring in this region. Twenty five million pregnant women are currently at risk for malaria and with malaria accounts for over 10,000 maternal deaths per year. Mangochi being one, the district were cases of Malaria are very high, this mainly due to the presence of stagnant pools of water. Pregnant women are most affected with Malaria because pregnancy reduces women’s immune system and making them more harm to malaria infection and increasing the risk of illness such as severe anemia which easily led to maternal death. Aim: The main objective of present study was to gain insight of impact of Malaria on pregnant women and how it has led to maternal death. Methodology: The study was carried out in several hospitals in Mangochi district. 10 health workers were randomly sampled, required data was drawn from primary and secondary sources and in addition data was collected using a questionnaire as a collection tool. Results: The study reveals that, malaria in pregnancy is caused by Plasmodium with 46.7%, 40% mosquito and some respondents said that pregnant women suffer from malaria because they report late for antenatal clinics which are very important for their health as well as the unborn child. Discussion and Conclusion: Malaria mainly affects women’s health and community. The government has taken part in reduction of maternal due malaria by supporting up with policies and programs that focus on malaria prevention and maternal reduction. Despite these efforts taken by government in improving maternal health, the Mangochi district hospital and non-governmental organizations should tackle the problem from the grass root level in terms of improving women’s living standards. The hospital management should encourage relationship between health personnel and pregnant women seeking health service.

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