The electrification-malaria nexus: the case of rural Uganda

Type Journal Article - The European Journal of Development Research
Title The electrification-malaria nexus: the case of rural Uganda
Author(s)
Volume 28
Issue 4
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2016
Page numbers 521-535
URL https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Luca_Tasciotti/publication/290473472_The_Electrification-Malari​a_Nexus_The_Case_of_Rural_Uganda/links/56a7503308ae0fd8b3fdf7c2/The-Electrification-Malaria-Nexus-Th​e-Case-of-Rural-Uganda.pdf
Abstract
Sub-Saharan countries are facing multiple simultaneous challenges that include the need to
both increase access to electricity and combat morbidity and mortality caused by malaria. This study is the
first to explore the nexus between electrification and malaria incidence using country-wide representative
household-level data. The focus is on rural Uganda. Despite the fact that data used in this analysis come from
a multi-topic survey and therefore do not include the ideal indicators for a malaria-related study, we do find
evidence that household members having access to electricity are more likely to experience malaria. Our
interpretation is that electric light attracts malaria vectors and that lifestyle changes associated with outdoor
lighting increase human exposure to the vectors. Our findings suggest that the electrification process in
Uganda should be complemented by anti-malaria strategies.

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