Table 1 Characteristics of the study sites

Population estimate: 1,529,151

Total population of metropolitan Bolgatanga estimated at 147,729

Population: 159,000

Population: 24,000

Population: 1.2 million (2006)

Study conducted in Asokwa sub-metro with a population of 566,980 (2005), which is 30.3% of the Kumasi population

Study conducted in the urban town (population 72,768)

Study conducted in whole town

Study conducted in Kauma, a squatter settlement within urban Lilongwe

Study conducted in adjacent districts of Wemtenga and Taabtenga: two adjoining and contrasting neighbourhood. Wemtenga was subdivided, built up and serviced with all the urban amenities, while peripheral Taabtenga was not subdivided and had a rural appearance

Malaria prevalence of 37% and accounts for over 45% out-patient cases

Malaria prevalence of 22%. Children < 5 years with uncomplicated malaria represented 29.5% of all reported cases in 2007

The peak of malaria incidence follows the main rainfall season in July, August and September. Prevalence < = 4.9% in the population, but was 20.43% in < 5 year-olds (2006)

Malaria prevalence in < 5 s was 14% (2010 Lilongwe malaria survey)

Case morbidity in under 5 years in high transmission season is approximately 50%

Children < 5 years and infants form 20% and 4%, respectively

Children < 5 years: 13% of the population

Children < 5 years: 9.2% of total population

Children < 5 years: 19% of the population

Children < 5 years: 18.8% of study population (1,970/10,500)

Main occupations are trading and farming

Cultivation of vegetables and other crops is common

Presence of urban farming in immediate peri-urban areas

Many houses have gardens (bananas, coffee, kitchen gardens, etc)

Most people earn a living through petty vending or working as unskilled labourers while others (30%) are unemployed

Main occupations are:

In Wemtenga: Salaried and trading

In Taabtenga: farming, pretty vending and working as unskilled labourers.