Abstract

Malaria is one of the leading causes of mortality in children worldwide. It is estimated that up to 40% of the world’s population is at risk of contracting malaria. This study on therapeutic effects of malaria on uncomplicated childhood malaria was conducted at The Lagos University Teaching Hospital were to determine the incidence of malaria, assess the relationship between Vitamin A administration and malaria and identify factors that affect patient outcome. The study design was a prospective randomized cross sectional controlled clinical trial, employing the use of questionnaires to obtain relevant data. Data entry and analysis were done using EPI-INFO 2002 and data were presented in frequency distribution tables and graphs. The association between Vitamin A administration and malaria was assessed using length of stay in the hospital. More than 50% of the patients were between 1 to 3 years of age reflecting the age range that is most vulnerable to malaria. Males represented 57.5% of respondents while 42.5% were female. 15.1% of patients received malaria prophylaxis while 84.9% did not. A total of 12.3% of children had malaria positive smears by Giemsa while 87.7% did not. Vitamin A was administered to 6 patients while 7 received placebo. The study show that if vitamin A is administered on a large scale it will reduces the signs and symptoms of malaria in children in our environment especially if combined with sleeping in insecticide treated nets and selective anti-malarial prophylaxis are instituted. It is recommended that Vitamin A supplementation be strengthened and advocated in childhood malaria so as to reduce morbidity and hasten recovery of patients.. Keywords: Malaria, Mortality, Childhood, Vitamin A.