Biotechnology-Assisted Malaria Surveillance and Environmental Risk Assessment Among Children in Kolokuma/Opokuma LGA Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Malaria remains a major public health challenge among children in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in rural communities with poor environmental sanitation and inadequate healthcare access. This study investigated malaria prevalence among children aged 0–9 years in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area (KOLGA), Bayelsa State, Nigeria, using biotechnology-assisted surveillance approaches. The study aimed to determine malaria prevalence, evaluate the effectiveness of biotechnology-assisted diagnostic tools, assess community knowledge and practices regarding malaria prevention, investigate environmental risk factors, and compare current findings with historical malaria records between 2012 and 2022. A descriptive cross-sectional design involving 400 respondents was adopted. Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs), microscopy, structured questionnaires, and environmental assessments were utilized for data collection and analysis. Findings revealed average malaria prevalence rates of 58.6% and 58.25% using RDT and microscopy, respectively. Communities with poor environmental sanitation and low KAP scores consistently recorded higher malaria prevalence. Strong relationships were observed between malaria prevalence, environmental conditions, and community preventive practices. The study concludes that biotechnology-assisted diagnostics and integrated environmental surveillance systems remain essential for sustainable malaria control. The study recommends strengthened malaria surveillance systems, improved environmental sanitation, and intensified public health education campaigns.