Operational Scaling-Up use of Larvivorous Fishes and its Impact on Prevalence of Malaria in Mandvi Taluka of District Kutch Gujarat

Abstract

Use of larvivorous fish in mosquito control has been well established specially the effectiveness of fishes like Gambusia affinis, Poecilia reticulata and some indigenous fishes in different mosquito breeding habitats [1-4]. However, reports on operational level scaling up or largescale use of fishes are scanty [5-7]. In India, use of larvivorous fishes has become an element in vector control policy of the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP). We used a systematic approach of scaling-up of use of the larvivorous fishes in Mandvi taluka (Sub-District), District Kutch, Gujarat in 2008–2009 selected on the basis of high prevalence of malaria during 2007 and suitable ecological conditions for use of larvivorous fishes. We trained the vector control staff in catching of fishes from natural habitats, transportation and release into mosquito breeding habitats and monitoring impact of this intervention on mosquito larval densities and malaria prevalence. In order to initiate the work in district Kutch meetings with CDHO and DMO were organized. The Malaria situation in the district was reviewed. Considering the rising trend of malaria in Madvi taluka, it was decided to take up the Mandvi taluka comprising of four PHCs to begin with the scaling-up use of larvivorous fishes. The Medical Officers of all the PHCs were invited for the briefing up of project activities and to extend their cooperation in achieving the targets. The Performa of fish application in different habitats on monthly basis in their PHCs were provided for recording the monthly progress. They were also taken to the field for demonstrations and showing the collection sites of Aphanius fishes on the outskirts of Mandvi city and other natural habitats. The field and other staff at the district, PHCs and Block Health Officer (BHO) level in the district were given necessary training on technical aspects, operational issues such as collection, transportation,