Trends in malaria prevalence over 15 years (2006–2021) in Jakiri North-West Region, Cameroon

Malaria remains a serious public health concern, particularly in regions with favourable climatic conditions for transmission. The Jakiri Health Centre in the North‒West Region of Cameroon is endemic to malaria, exhibiting a significant burden and unique epidemiological characteristics. Understanding the dynamics of malaria prevalence in this area is vital for developing targeted interventions, optimizing resources, and guiding public health policies. We report the trends in malaria prevalence over 15 years in the Jakiri Health Centre, North-West Region, Cameroon.

Data were collected retrospectively by reviewing the Jakiri Health Centre’s consultation and laboratory registers. The data were double-entered, cross-checked, and analysed using SPSS statistical software and Microsoft Excel.

A total of 3800 febrile cases were recorded from 2006 to 2021, with 2318 (61.0%) females and 1482 (39.0%) males. About one-quarter of the patients 945/3800 (24.9%) were confirmed to be malaria-positive. The prevalence of malaria fluctuated but increased between 2006 and 2019 with confirmed malaria cases increasing from 16.8% (37/220) to 39.8% (129/324). The proportions of confirmed malaria cases increased from 24/122 (19.7%) in 2006 to 21/90 (23.3%) in 2008 and 30/115 (26.1%) in 2009. Between 2009 and 2014, malaria cases decreased from 30/115 (26.1%) to 43/268 (16.0%), then increased steadily to a peak of 129/324 (39.8%) in 2019 and declined again to 190/766 (24.8%) in 2021. Malaria prevalence was significantly higher in males 27.2% (411/1482) compared to females 23.0% (534/2318), and the odds of having malaria were higher in females (OR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.10–1.49). Children aged 1 to < 5 years and 5 to < 15 years were most affected by malaria during the study period.

Malaria prevalence increased from 2006 to 2009, decreased from 2009 to 2014, and increased again from 2014 to 2019, with significant fluctuations across the study period. Children 1 to < 5 years and 5 to < 15 years of age remained the most vulnerable to malaria infection, with males carrying the highest malaria burden in the locality. A shift in malaria burden from children under 5 years to those aged 5 to < 15 years was observed during this period.