International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR) ISSN (Online): 2319-7064 Volume 3 Issue 3, March 2014 www.ijsr.net Schistosomiasis an Issue in Flood Prone Area of DambakurimaWard 1, Muzarabani District of Zimbabwe Anyway Katanha 1 , Vincent Masocha 2 1 Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Zimbabwe Open University 209 Hay Road Bindura, Zimbabwe 2 Department of Health Sciences, Zimbabwe Open University 209 Hay Road Bindura, Zimbabwe Abstract: The study focused on community, perception of schistosomiasis during floods. Random sampling was used to select the respondents. A Sample of 100 household was chosen to respond to questionnaires and a focus group interview of the community members was done. The study embraced the entire Dambakurima Ward 1 and its nearest health Centre. Questionnaires, field observation and interview were used, as data collection instruments. The study established that schistosomasis is the most prevalent diseases during floods and other factors like religious beliefs contributed to the spread and effects of the diseases in Dambakurima Ward, as people have high frequent contact with polluted water bodies that harbor the parasites. The study also established that the community were aware of the high prevalence of schistosomiasis problems in the area, but lacked the knowledge on how to control it. Hence in their ignorance, present themselves again to multiple infections after successful treatment.Focus group discussions revealed that 80% of the respondents linked the high prevalent of schistosomiasis to climate change and there was evidence of uncoordinated approach among the various stakeholders, who try to help these community to reduce parasitism density among the population. Though there is a nearby clinic, access to information and education has been a challenge because of religious reasons. The study recommends total involvement of all stakeholders in the control of the disease. Mass screening of the group should be done followed by treatment. Well structured awareness campaigns should be done before the onset of rain season. The study recommends environmental education which focus on climate change, disease control and understanding of indigenous knowledge discourse like the use of phytolacca dodecandra which is a plant that grows naturally. Keywords: climate change, floods, perception, schistosomasis, vulnerable. 1. Introduction [3] says the risk of climate sensitive diseases and health impacts can be high in poor countries. In Zimbabwe cases of schistosomiasis have been recorded to be high during flood periods as in the case of Dambakurima Ward 1 in Muzarabani District of Zimbabwe. Little capacity to prevent and treat the schistosomiasis disease has been outlined as the reason behind. It is believed 85 % of schistosomiasis world cases are found in Africa, and in some cases the local population prevalence rates surpass 50% [7]. schistosomiasis is one of the diseases associated with the effect of climate change in Zimbabwe. In the semi arid region of Zimbabwe like the Dande Valley, schistosomiasis is the second to malaria in causing morbidity [6]. Very little or no research has been conducted in the study area, to investigate the community’s perception on schistosomiasis believed to be attributed to climate change. Efforts have been made by the Health and Central Statistics department to describe the epidemiology, transmission and clinical trials of antischomes and control efforts. The general public’s perception on this health issue has been ignored. Availability of this information will thrive to address problems of implementation of health programmes related to health. In an attempt to cover gap this paper will explore the community of Dande’s perception on floods related health problems. Studies were conducted in Uganda pre-schools; school going age, on the prevalence of schistosomiasis [7] in his study mentioned that, those who were treated of schistosomiasis were reinfected without delay for various reasons. In the study area Dambakurima, the flood prone area of Mashonaland Central in Zimbabwe, reports of children who were passing blood stained urine was made by parents and school authorities. This study`s main thrust was to establish causes of reinfection, soon after successful treatment of those infected and the factors that led to high prevalence rate of the schistosomiasis disease in that area. 2. Problem Statement Despite government`s efforts in Dambakurima ward on the provision of health facilities, health staff and medication, there is high prevalence of schistosomiasis A cause for concern is the high reinfection rate of those who were successfully treated in the parasitological studies phase. It is important to establish factors leading to high prevalence, reinfection and suggestion of ways that can effectively control schistosomiasis in Dambakurima ward 1 of Muzarabani District. 3. Main Objectives The main focus of the study was to establish factors that have led to quick reinfection of treated cases of schistosomiasis and establish the community perception and ways of controlling the disease in Dambakurima ward. Paper ID: 020131206 646