THE BIG ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM FOR MALARIA PREVENTION IS NOLONGER LACK OF KNOWLEDGE
Michael Odong, MPH, MA
Inclusive Social Behaviour Change| Global Health | Disability Inclusion | Vaccine Demand Strategist
The opinions of experts have primarily influenced the discussion on malaria prevention. We haven't made an effort to comprehend the viewpoints of the community, especially people who carry the most significant burden of malaria. We often assume that our theoretical perspective is correct, which can close our eyes to the daily struggles of ordinary people.
In my opinion, the expert advice is correct but may not apply to every household. Most people don't use the net not because they lack knowledge. In reality, people recognize malaria as a problem and something that needs to be addressed. The eagerness of individuals to seek out bed nets during the last universal campaign in Uganda is a testament. We need to collaborate with local communities to develop location-specific solutions. After receiving the bed net, the important question is, "What difference does it make?"
? How can we provide additional support beyond education to ensure that malaria becomes their top priority?
? Where does malaria rank compared to other family demands such as food, clothing, and school fees?
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IT IS TIME TO SHIFT OUR FOCUS AND LISTEN MORE TO LOCAL SOLUTIONS FROM THE COMMUNITY.
The theory of reasoned action suggests that a person's behavior is determined by their intention to perform a specific action. We can create interventions that trigger the intention to take action.
Utilizing entomological exercises, such as the pyrethrum spray catch, can effectively encourage community conversation and local solutions. This technique involves capturing mosquitoes that rest inside houses using a standard method. If community are gathered to observe the number of mosquitoes collected, they can better appreciate the dange and be motivated to take action.
I would like to hear your thoughts on how to motivate individuals to transition from having knowledge to the intention to act, and ultimately taking action.
Engineer, Researcher, Inventor.
10 个月We had malaria in the United States during my lifetime. My Country was declared malaria free in 1950. Elimination of this disease was accomplished by the government not individual iniative. This should be conducted by professionals not individuals as a public service. I would recomend employing some space age technology to accomplish this objective. One aircraft equipped with my patented spray system is all that would be necessary to eliminate malaria in the most malarious region on planet earth, Nigeria. I held a contract spraying for mosquitoes in Palm Beach County Florida for 36 years. The last 20 years l employed a high pressure spray system that had a demonstrated 20 fold reduction of insecticide usage and a corresponding 20 fold increase in acres treated per hour In addition it reduced the amount of insecticide employed by 30 million dollars. Richard Howe