The Malaria Eradication Programme and population dynamics in the British Solomon Islands Protectorate, 1970-1976 (with reference to the malaria eradication pilot project and the malaria pre-eradication programme)

Saint-Yves, Ian Fleming Marie (1975) The Malaria Eradication Programme and population dynamics in the British Solomon Islands Protectorate, 1970-1976 (with reference to the malaria eradication pilot project and the malaria pre-eradication programme). MD thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

The British Solomon Islands Protectorate lies within the Malarious area of the South-West Pacific Region, In this area, the malaria vectors belong to the Anopheles Punctulatus complex, and, to date, have not shorn any resistance to the residual insecticide. DDT. There is a comprehensive Rural Health infrastructure which provides adequate services to the population widely scattered over many islands. In addition, mass health programmes have been, and are being carried but (e.g. Yaws Eradication Campaign, TB Control and Leprosy Control Programmes); however, the most important health programs in progress is the Malaria Eradication Programme (MBP), which officially started in 1970, and is due to be completed in 1980. The effect on population growth of these Programmes has been discussed in this thesis. It is felt that although the Malaria Eradication Programme may not be the only factor influencing the increased growth rate, it is undoubtedly the major one. The Geopolitical Set-up of the Protectorate is described in the opening chapters, Then, the organisation of the Malaria Eradication Programme is briefly outlined, together with a brief description of the entomological, parasitological and epidemiological factors invol-ved. The decline of the "malaria burden" on the population is emphasized. Using data obtained from all Census sources (1951, 1959, 1970) and from Malaria Eradication on-going census figures, extrapolations have been made about the possible growth rates on Island groups, Districts & Protectorate bases in 1974 and 1976, (1976 is the next Census year). In addition, growth rates for the inter-censal periods have also been determined. The rate of growth, in most cases, in the period 1970-1974, has been quite remarkable. In addition, the impact of the MEP on the general health of the people has been assessed in relation to hospital morbidity and mortality and to -the number of hospital deliveries. Reference has been made to data from the Malaria Eradication Pilot Project and the Malaria Pre-Eradication Programme, as well as to Medical Department Annual Reports, Unfortunately, vital statistics are incomplete in very many instances, similarly, the improved health status of the population has been discussed in relation to education, trade and industry although it is difficult to prove a really close association. That there is "population explosion" is hot questioned, the official growth rate has been estimated at 5.1 per cent per annum for the country as a whole. However, the author believes this to be an underestimate, his estimate being 3.9 per cent per annum, of which the MBP is thought to contribute between 11 and 1.6 per cent annually. Only the official 1976 Census will provide the answer. At an annual growth rate of 3.9 per cent, the population of the Solomon Islands will double every 18.2 years, and will reach 202000 by the time of the 1976 census. The social and economic consequences of this 'explosion' are discussed, and a fully comprehensive family planning service is advocated as a matter of urgency. The people themselves are demanding it.

• Item Type: Thesis (MD)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Additional Information: Adviser: C McFadden
• Keywords: Epidemiology, Public health
• Date of Award: 1975
• Depositing User: Enlighten Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:1975-73885
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 14 Jun 2019 08:56
• Last Modified: 14 Jun 2019 08:56
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/73885