Role Of Local Government And Community In Elimination Of Mosquito Breeding Sites In Dar Es Salaam

ABSTRACT

Malaria remains one of the major health problems in Dar es Salaam and Tanzania in

general. The disease is caused by a female Anopheles mosquito whose breeding sites are

within the environment in which we live. The increase in number of breeding sites in

urban centers suggests that there should be strong efforts in fighting against the disease

from its cause, which is breeding sites. The main objective of the study is to examine the

role of local government and community in eliminating mosquito breeding sites in Dar es

Salaam.

The study adopted a cross-sectional research design whereby data were collected once at

Azimio and Miburani wards of Temeke Municipality. Both primary and secondary data

were collected so as to achieve the intended objectives. Respondents were selected

through both random and purposive sampling techniques. The random sampling was

applied in identifying Ten Cell Unit leaders (TCU) and Neighborhood/mtaa Health

Committee members (NHCs). Meanwhile, purposive sampling was used to identify

various officials from both the wards. In general, a sample size of 107 respondents was

selected in the study area. Survey method was used to get information from Ten Cell Unit

leaders and Neighborhood Health Committee members, while questionnaires were used as

data collection tools in the study area. Interview method was also used for getting

information from key informants. Further, observation was also used in collecting

information from the field, in which checklist was used as a tool.

Research findings have revealed that community participation in eliminating mosquito

breeding sites is considerably low. The research further revealed that the local government

and the community faced many challenges in eliminating mosquito breeding sites in the

study area. These challenges emanate from both the local government and the local

community.