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Gender, mosquitos and malaria: implications for community development programs in Laputta, Myanmar.
Tin-Oo1, Pe-Thet-Htoon, Khin-Thet-Wai
1Tropical Health Program, Australian Center for International and Tropical Health and Nutrition, University of Queensland, Brisbane. myo.paing.whomm@undp.org
Summary
Rural women in Myanmar face higher malaria risk due to gender roles and mosquito exposure. Increased participation in vector control is crucial for community health and empowerment programs.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Sociology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- A Human Development Initiative (HDI) project in Myanmar's Laputta region, supported by the United Nations Development Program since 1994, targets women and children from low-income households.
- The project aims to enhance rural community access to primary healthcare, micro-credit, income generation, and education for empowerment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate gender roles concerning the division of labor, mosquito exposure, and malaria prevention activities.
- To understand perceptions of malaria risk and prevention behaviors among rural men and women.
Main Methods:
- Conducted 20 focus group discussions with men and women separately in eight villages between January and February 2000.
- The primary malaria vector identified in the study area is Anopheles sundaicus.
Main Results:
- Rural women are more susceptible to malaria due to their roles, leading to increased exposure during peak mosquito biting times (dusk and before midnight).
- Limited awareness of the mosquito-malaria link and affordability issues contribute to the underuse or shared use of bed nets.
- Women did not prioritize the destruction of mosquito breeding sites.
Conclusions:
- Gender-assigned roles increase women's malaria risk through elevated mosquito exposure.
- Community development programs must actively involve local women in vector control measures, both inside and outside the household.
- Addressing awareness gaps and affordability is essential for effective malaria prevention.