THE IMPACTS OF POOR SANITATION ON MALARIA INCIDENCE AMONG RESIDENTS OF PAYNESVILLE, MONTSERRADO COUNTY, LIBERIA
Keywords:
Poor Sanitation, Malaria, Mosquito Breeding, Public Health, Waste Management, Environmental HealthAbstract
Compared to the other parts of the globe, malaria remains a major health problem in Liberia, especially in urban areas like Paynesville, Montserrado County. This study looks at how poor sanitation is linked to the rise in malaria cases in this community. We focus on the ways inadequate waste disposal, stagnant water, and poor drainage creates the perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes, which in turn, increases malaria transmission. Using field surveys, interviews, and local clinic health records, we gathered data to understand how these environmental factors contribute to malaria outbreaks. The results show a clear connection between unsanitary living conditions and higher rates of malaria, particularly during the rainy season when stagnant water is more common. These findings highlight the urgent need for better sanitation infrastructure and public health education to help reduce the spread of malaria. We believe that both government and local communities must take immediate action to address these issues as a critical step in fighting malaria in urban Liberia.
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