ASSESSMENT OF THE AWARENESS OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT TOOLS IN THE CONTROL AND PREVENTION OF MALARIA, IN LAVUN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF NIGER STATE

Abstract

This study evaluates the awareness and effectiveness of environmental management tools for malaria control and prevention in Lavun Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State. It investigates how awareness of these tools influences local development, assesses past malaria eradication methods, examines the operationalization of these tools, and evaluates the effectiveness of awareness efforts. A survey design was employed, with data collected from 150 respondents using questionnaires and interviews, and analyzed through descriptive statistics and linear regression. The findings reveal that malaria prevention and control programs in Lavun LGA are perceived as moderately effective, with a mean effectiveness score of 3.05 for program coordination and implementation. Training of public health workers had a mean score of 2.92, while local authorities’ prioritization of malaria prevention scored 2.85. Adaptation to local conditions and the effectiveness of environmental management tools received mean scores of 3.10 and 3.02, respectively. Monitoring of these tools was less consistent, with a mean score of 2.89, and community involvement was rated moderately high at 3.15. Awareness programs and health centers showed moderate effectiveness with mean scores of 2.94 and 2.88, respectively. Community awareness of environmental management tools was moderate, with a mean score of 3.02. Educational efforts in schools and media promotions were somewhat effective with means of 2.88 and 3.05, respectively, while government campaigns had a mean score of 2.85. The study found a significant but weak relationship between awareness and malaria prevention (p = 0.010) and between awareness and the effectiveness of malaria eradication (p = 0.027). In conclusion, while awareness of environmental management tools positively influences malaria control, there is a need for an integrated approach to enhance effectiveness. Recommendations include improving training for public health workers, increasing resource allocation, strengthening monitoring and evaluation, enhancing community engagement, and tailoring programs to local conditions to achieve better health outcomes in Lavun LGA.