An Evaluation of Inter-Governmental Collaboration and Malaria Control Programme in Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated the strategies for malaria control programmes and assessed the effects of inter-governmental collaboration on malaria control in Southwestern Nigeria. Primary data were collected through the administration of questionnaires and conduct of in-depth interviews. The study population of 404 comprised all categories of staff in the Malaria Control Unit of the Federal Ministry of Health, three states and six local Governments. A sample size of 388 respondents was selected for questionnaire administration using Taro Yemane sample size formula. Interviews were also conducted to complement the information collected through questionnaire administration. Data were analysed using percentages, simple linear regression, relative impact index and content analysis methods. The results revealed that free distribution of insecticide-treated nets (87.3%); intermittent preventive treatment during pregnancy (92.8%); indoor residual spraying (71.3%); larva source management (76.1%); diagnosis and treatment (81.6%); and advocacy, communication and social mobilisation (88.7%) were the key malaria control strategies adopted to control malaria in Southwestern Nigeria. Furthermore, the results established that inter-governmental collaboration had a significant effect on the malaria control programme (F =20.538 p < 0.05) with indications from qualitative outcomes. The study concluded that inter-governmental collaboration made a considerable level of impact on the malarial control programme in Southwestern Nigeria.