O contributo de educação ambiental no combate à Malária. estudo de Caso: bairro de Hulene B

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the contribution of Environmental Education in combating malaria in the Hulene B neighborhood, located in the KaMavota Municipal District in the City of Maputo.

The research consisted of residents of the Hulene B neighborhood and members of the neighborhood secretariat, with a convenience sample of 21 participants selected, including 20 residents of the neighborhood and 1 member of the secretariat, chosen based on their availability.

Regarding the methodology, the research opted for a qualitative approach, of an exploratory and descriptive nature, allowing for an understanding of the perceptions, attitudes, and practices of the participants in relation to the problem of malaria. The data collection instrument consisted of semi-structured interviews complemented by observation, enabling an in-depth analysis of the local reality.

The results showed that malaria continues to represent a serious public health problem, strongly associated with environmental factors such as the accumulation of stagnant water, deficiencies in basic sanitation, accumulation of garbage and the absence of an efficient drainage system. It was also found that the Environmental Education actions developed in the community, although sporadic, need reinforcement by people with knowledge in the areas of Environmental Education and malaria.

It is concluded that, despite the existence of some level of knowledge about the causes and forms of prevention of malaria, preventive practices are still insufficient, lacking a reinforcement of educational actions and community mobilization. Thus, recommendations are left that are presumed capable of promoting behavioral changes and contributing to the reduction of the incidence of malaria in the Hulene B neighborhood.