The Control of Malaria among PLWHA in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria

The purpose of the study was to examine RBM programme’s efforts at controlling malaria among PLWHA and explore their perception of the control strategies. The study was a descriptive survey involving guided interviews of top managers of Roll Back Malaria (RBM) programme. A structured questionnaire was administered to 108 PLWHA attending an HIV/AIDS clinic in a secondary health facility in Calabar. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Thematic analysis revealed that RBM programme strategies include effective case management, promotion of Long Lasting Insecticide Treated Nets (LLINs), intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) and integrated vector management (IVM). Complementary results showed that 104 (92%) admitted accessibility to malarial treatment. Although 83 (57.7%) of PLWHA have LLINs, only 63 (42.3%) use them. Majority of the respondents 89 (60%) have not heard of indoor/outdoor residual spraying (IRS). How to get IRS services and lack of money to buy it were listed as a barrier to its use. Malarial treatment was accessible to PLWHA. The barriers to the use of ITN and IRS could be addressed through free distribution of odorless ITN and IRS to PLWHA. Higher rates of utilization of the products can be achieved through behavioural change communication