Prevalence of Malaria Parasitemia Among Febrile Children Attending Primary Health Centres in Kebbi State

Malaria remains the leading cause of febrile illness and mortality among under-five children in Nigeria, particularly in the North West region where seasonal transmission is intense. This cross-sectional study determined the prevalence of malaria parasitemia among febrile children aged 1 to 12 years attending primary health centres in Birnin Kebbi and Argungu local government areas of Kebbi State, in the North West geopolitical zone. A total of 220 children were enrolled between July and September 2024, coinciding with the peak malaria transmission season. Thick and thin blood films were prepared and stained with Giemsa stain, and malaria antigen detection was performed using a WHO-prequalified rapid diagnostic test. Parasitemia was detected in 63.6 percent of enrolled children. Plasmodium falciparum accounted for all confirmed positive cases. Parasite density was highest in children aged 1 to 5 years. Use of insecticide-treated bed nets was reported by only 29 percent of caregivers. Severe anemia was documented in 18 percent of parasitemic children. These findings reaffirm the heavy malaria burden in Kebbi State and highlight the low uptake of preventive interventions. The study advocates strengthened malaria case management, expanded insecticide-treated net distribution, and indoor residual spraying programs across the North West. Keywords: malaria, Plasmodium falciparum, children, Kebbi State, febrile illness.