Abstract

Malaria in Pregnancy - A Global Health Issue : A Review

Author(s): Abdullahi FA and Akinsola RO

Malaria in pregnancy (MIP) is an enormous public health problem particularly in malaria endemic areas such as Africa. MIP Results in abortion, premature labour, low birth weight, occasional still birth and neonatal death. It has severe consequences for a pregnant woman by considerably increasing the risk of maternal death and severe anaemia. It could also result in congenital malaria to unborn baby. Global strategies for combating MIP includes, roll back malaria and ‘making pregnancy safer initiative’ aimed at strengthening antenatal services and provide preventive measures, treatment, care and counselling to improve all aspect of health in pregnant women. The availability of insecticide treated nets, effective intermittent preventive treatment and effective case management of malaria illness, provides a unique opportunity that must be taken to protect the millions of African women who become pregnant each year and their babies.