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Cited by 28Malaria Research and ControlMosquito-borne diseases and controlParasitic Diseases Research and Treatment

Proximity of Residence to Irrigation Determines Malaria Risk and Anopheles Abundance at an Irrigated Agroecosystem in Malawi

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Mangani, Charles, Frake, April N., Chipula, Grivin, Mkwaila, Wezi, Kakota, Tasokwa, Mambo, Isaac, Chim'gonda, Jerome, Mathanga, Don +3 more·2022·The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
DOI 10.4269/ajtmh.21-0390PMC PMC8733508
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Abstract

ABSTRACT.: As countries of sub-Saharan Africa expand irrigation to improve food security and foster economic growth, it is important to quantify the malaria risk associated with this process. Irrigated ecosystems can be associated with increased malaria risk, but this relationship is not fully understood. We studied this relationship at the Bwanje Valley Irrigation Scheme (800 hectares) in Malawi. Household prevalence of malaria and indoor Anopheles density were quantified in two cross-sectional studies in 2016 and 2017 (5,829 residents of 1,091 households). Multilevel logistic regression was used to estimate the association between distance to the irrigation scheme and malaria infection and mosquito density. The prevalence of malaria infection was 50.2% (2,765/5,511) by histidine-rich protein 2–based malaria rapid diagnostic tests and 30.1% (1,626/5,403) by microscopy. Individuals residing in households within 3 km of the scheme had significantly higher prevalence of infection (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.41; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18, 1.68); school-aged children had the highest prevalence among age groups (aOR = 1.34; 95% CI 1.11, 1.63). Individuals who reported bed net use, and households with higher socioeconomic status and higher level of education for household head or spouse, had lower odds of malaria infection. Female Anopheles mosquitoes (2,215 total; Anopheles arabiensis, 90.5%, Anopheles funestus, 9.5%) were significantly more abundant in houses located within 1.5 km of the scheme. Proximity of human dwellings to the irrigation scheme increased malaria risk, but higher household wealth index reduced risk. Therefore, multisectoral approaches that spur economic growth while mitigating increased malaria transmission are needed for people living close to irrigated sites.

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Authors
Mangani, C., Frake, A. N., Chipula, G., Mkwaila, W., Kakota, T., Mambo, I., Chim'gonda, J., Mathanga, D., Mzilahowa, T., Zulu, L., & Walker, E.
Affiliations
  • University of Malawi (MW)
  • University of Alabama (US)
  • Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (MW)
  • Malawi Government (MW)
  • Michigan State University (US)
Corresponding author
Mangani, Charles
ORCID
Venue
The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Publisher
American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Published
2022-01-05
Volume
106
Issue
1
Pages
283-292
ISSN
  • 0002-9637 (ISSN-L)
  • 1476-1645
DOI
10.4269/ajtmh.21-0390
PMC
PMC8733508
OpenAlex
W3207447503
Cited by
28
References
4
Citations by year
2026: 1 · 2025: 6 · 2024: 6 · 2023: 12 · 2022: 3
FWCI
4.55
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Greater South Information System
Funders
  • National Institutes of Health
  • Fogarty International Center (D43TW009639)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Malaria Research and Control
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Mosquito-borne diseases and control
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Infectious Diseases › Parasitic Diseases Research and Treatment
Keywords
malaria risk, irrigation, Anopheles arabiensis, Anopheles funestus, irrigated agroecosystems, bed net use, socioeconomic status, household wealth index, school-aged children, Malawi
MeSH terms
Mosquito Vectors, Adolescent, Adult, Animals, Anopheles, Child, Child, Preschool, Cross-Sectional Studies, Family Characteristics, Female, Humans, Malaria, Malawi, Male, Rain, Residence Characteristics, Risk Factors, Seasons, Socioeconomic Factors, Prevalence, Young Adult, Insecticide-Treated Bednets, Agricultural Irrigation

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