Malaria in Pregnancy in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria

The study was carried out to determine the prevalence of malaria in pregnant women in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria during the period of March to August, 2014. A total of two hundred and seven pregnant women were examined, 60% were infected with malaria parasite. With respect to age, pregnant women within the age of 18-25 years had the higher prevalence rate of 67.8%. Prevalence rate of 63.5% were observed within pregnant women in their first trimester. Pregnant women who are farmers tend to have the highest prevalence rate of 71.4% while those who lived in rural areas showed prevalence rate of 69.1%. Primigravidae showed the higher prevalence rate of 68.9%. Of the two locations sampled Abraka had the highest overall prevalence in terms of malaria infection with 64% while Eku showed a prevalence rate of 56%. Based on the findings, there is clear evidence of high level of malaria in pregnant women in the study area, hence the need to reduce the morbidity of malaria in pregnancy in Delta State. Efforts should be made to scale-up intermittent preventive treatment of pregnant women (IPTp) for malaria with Sulfadoxine Pyrimethamine (SP), and ensure increased access to IPTp with SP in all areas in Delta State. Free bed nets should also be provided to pregnant women on their first antenatal visit.