Do malaria preventive interventions reach the poor? Socio-economic inequities in expenditures and use of malaria control tools in Sudan
Abstract
Objectives: To determine levels of socio-economic inequities in prevention of malaria, as well as examine the implications of the findings for improving the equitable control of malaria in the Sudan.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey using pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire was administered to 720 randomly selected householders from six localities in Gezira and Khartoum States. A socio-economic status SES) index, which was developed using principal components analysis, was used to examine socio-economic inequity in prevention of malaria.
Findings: Socio-economic status was positively related to expenditures and use of vector control tools. The poorest households spent the least amounts of money to prevent malaria and were the least likely to own mosquito nets.
Conclusion: The inequity in the prevention of malaria in the study areas has to be redeemed before malaria could be effectively controlled in Sudan. Malaria control managers should continually determine the extent to which malaria preventive tools reach the poorest socio-economic groups and fashion strategies that will ensure that equity is always maintained.
Citation
Health Policy and Planning (2006) 21 (1) 10-16 [doi:10.1093/heapol/czj004]