How can architecture reduce malaria?

It is true that with proper sanitation measures and strategies, insecticides and mosquito repellent nets can reduce the risk of getting the plasmodium parasite into one's blood. But well planned and designed architecture can help mitigate if not eradicate malaria in this country. Architects and their colleagues in the building industry can do a lot to reduce this canker which is causing a lot of infant mortality in this country. One may ask “how?”

Let me start by asking you this question; how can an architect design and build a house or any facility without thinking about integration into the community drainage system or waste disposal methods? The creation of gullies and gutters which harbours foul water from houses as a result of improper drainage systems is not difficult to see in one’s community. These gullies and gutters which harbour stagnant water become breeding places for mosquitoes. This and many more is an indication that site analysis done by some architects do not extend beyond their assigned site.

Though on a smaller yet important scale the use of nets (for windows), trap doors and  other devices help prevent mosquitoes and other insects from entering a room, bigger and larger measures which will benefit neighbourhoods, towns and communities should be taken by building designers. It is about time architects said no to designing and building on land or plots marked for refuse dumps, wetlands and water ways. This will prevent the choking of drains and indiscriminate disposal of refuse as a result of lack of adequate refuse sites.

Remember that one important decision taken by an architect can help an entire neighbourhood as many people can see, learn and practise it.