Mapping Malaria Prevalence Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Rivers State, Nigeria

Background: Nigeria aspires to eradicate malaria, and the significance of mapping in this endeavour has grown. The prevalence and spatial distribution of malaria in Rivers State were studied using data from Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs).

Methodology: PHCs in Rivers State were geo-referenced using the global positioning system (GPS) and 74 were selected across 21 local government areas using Systematic GridPoint Sampling Technique. Blood samples were obtained from 2340 consented individuals whose demographic data were obtained with structured questionnaires. Blood films were examined for Plasmodium spp. using standard parasitological techniques. An overall prevalence of 56.3% was recorded identifying only P.falciparum. Coordinates of PHCs sampled and the prevalence data for malaria were inputted into a spread sheet and imported into ArcGIS 10.7. This was used to generate prevalence maps of malaria infection in the State.

Results: Ogu-Bolo, Omumma, Abua-Odual LGAs recorded very high LGA prevalence whereas Ikwerre, Abua-Odual, Ahoada West, Oyigbo and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGAs recorded very high state-level prevalence. Eleme and Port Harcourt City LGAs had the least prevalence.

Conclusion: The observed spatial variation could be attributed to land use land cover (LULC) patterns and further research to evaluate the impact of LULC patterns on the spatial distribution of malaria is recommended. This study provides malaria maps which will serve as a valuable resource to policy makers for targeted interventions in the State.