Prevalence Distribution and Risk Factors for Schistosoma hematobium Infection among School Children in Blantyre, Malawi

Schistosoma hematobium infection is a parasitic infection endemic in Malawi. Schistosomiasis usually shows a focal distribution of infection and it is important to identify communities at high risk of infection and assess effectiveness of control programs. We conducted a survey in one district in Malawi to determine prevalence and factors associated with S. hematobium infection among primary school pupils. Using a questionnaire, information on history of passing bloody urine and known risk factors associated with infection was collected. Urine samples were collected and examined for S. hematobium eggs. One thousand one hundred and fifty (1,150) pupils were interviewed, and out of 1,139 pupils who submitted urine samples, 10.4% were infected. Our data showed that male gender, child's knowledge of an existing open water source (includes river, dam, springs, lake, etc.) in the area, history of urinary schistosomiasis in the past month, distance of less than 1 km from school to nearest open water source and age 8–10 years compared to those 14 years and older were independently associated with infection. These findings suggest that children attending schools in close proximity to open water sources are at increased risk of infection

Past, present and future developments in environmental health education and professional practice in Malawi

Since the mid 70’s Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) in the UK have been educated to honours degree level with the curricula periodically reviewed and accredited by the appropriate professional body i.e. The Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland (REHIS) and the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Prior to then, the preliminary qualification for Public Health Officers was a three-year Diploma in Public Health. Upon graduation and after approximately one year of practical training, working often with a local authority, graduates take a professional exam leading to full qualification. Thereafter, practising officers are expected to ensure that their knowledge and skills are updated through participation in various schemes of continuous professional development. This is a compulsory requirement for EHOs to remain registered as a member of the professional bodies. The development and practice of Environmental Health in UK since the Victorian age has resulted in significant improvement to the environment and health of the population. People today can expect to live a relatively healthy lifestyle with a life expectancy, on average, of more than 80 years