An audit of malaria mortality using the “Malaria Death Investigation Form” at United Bulawayo Hospitals, Zimbabwe: 1996-2000

Abstract

More than 90% of worldwide malaria morbidity and mortality occurs in sub-Saharan Africa where about one million direct deaths are recorded annually. The fight against the pandemic is based on a long- term use of highly efficacious treatment and transmission control. However, incomplete and imprecise case detection and diagnosis impede an accurate quantification of the disease burden. In Zimbabwe, malaria is a serious public health problem with uneven geographical distribution and impact on local institutions and communities. For instance, no malaria, transmission has been reported in the two cities of Harare and Bulawayo that host the country's four tertiary level hospitals. However, conversely, the rate of parasite resistance to available drugs in some rural areas (Chirundu, Hwange etc .. ) has put the country in the "action period" according to the WHO/AFRO classification.