About half the world’s population is at risk for malaria, which causes more than half a million deaths annually. Malaria remains the number one killer of children in sub-Saharan Africa, where 90% of the deaths occur. Associated usually with malaria are infections caused by helminth parasites which have an impact on the health of humans. A major consequence of these parasites is anaemia. The objective of this study was to determine prevalence of malaria parasites, infection by soil transmitted helminthes and anaemia in asymptomatic pupils in four primary schools in Mbonge sub-division, Cameroon. One school, in each of Marumba I, Marumba II, BaiManya, and Pete Bakundu villages were included; 484 pupils participated. Blood, stool, axial temperature and demographic data were obtained for each participant. To determine parasitaemia and anaemia, blood was collected by finger pricking. Stool samples were collected to determine presence of intestinal parasites. Data analyses included the calculation of prevalence, and comparisons were made using the Pearson Chi-Square test and ANOVA. Results showed that prevalence of malaria parasites was 50.7%, soil transmitted helminthes was 22.3%, and coinfection between malaria and helminthes was 22.6%. Anaemia (haemoglobin values <11g/dl) was prevalent in 57.6% of pupils. Anaemia was more common in younger children (83.3%) than older ones (62%). Results show a high prevalence of malaria parasites and anemia in asymptomatic pupils in the villages studied and emphasise the need for routine screening and treatment to prevent malaria, helminth infection and anemia in asymptomatic children.
