Abstract
BackgroundNamibia has made tremendous gains in malaria control and the epidemiological trend of the disease has changed significantly over the past years. In 2010, the country reoriented from the objective of reducing disease mor bidity and mortality to the goal of achieving malaria elimination by 2020. This manuscript outlines the processes undertaken in strengthening tactical planning and operational frameworks for vector control to facilitate expeditious malaria elimination in Namibia.Case descriptionThe information sources for this study included all available data and accessible archived documentary records on malaria vector control in Namibia. A methodical assessment of published and unpublished documents was conducted via a literature search of online electronic databases, Google Scholar, PubMed and WHO, using a combination of search terms.Discussion and evaluationTo attain the goal of elimination in Namibia, systems are being strengthened to identify and clear all infections, and significantly reduce human–mosquito contact. Particularly, consolidating vector control for reducing transmission at the identified malaria foci will be critical for accelerated malaria elimination. Thus, guarding against potential challenges and the need for evidence-based and sustainable vector control instigated the strengthening of strategic frameworks by: adopting the integrated vector management (IVM) strategy; initiating implementation of the global plan for insecticide resistance management (GPIRM); intensifying malaria vector surveillance; improving data collection and reporting systems on DDT; updating the indoor residual spraying (IRS) data collection and reporting tool; and, improving geographical reconnaissance using geographical information system-based satellite imagery.ConclusionsUniversal coverage with IRS and long-lasting insecticidal nets, supplemented by larval source management in the context of IVM and guided by vector surveillance coupled with rational operationalization of the GPIRM, will enable expeditious attainment of elimination in Namibia. However, national capacity to plan, implement, monitor and evaluate interventions will require adequate and sustained support for technical, physical infrastructure, and human and financial resources for entomology and vector control operations.
Highlights
Namibia has made tremendous gains in malaria control and the epidemiological trend of the disease has changed significantly over the past years
Guarding against potential challenges and the need for evidence-based and sustainable vector control instigated the strengthening of strategic frameworks by: adopting the integrated vector management (IVM) strategy; initiating implementation of the global plan for insecticide resistance management (GPIRM); intensifying malaria vector surveillance; improving data collection and reporting systems on DDT; updating the indoor residual spraying (IRS) data collection and reporting tool; and, improving geographical reconnaissance using geographical information systembased satellite imagery
Universal coverage with IRS and long-lasting insecticidal nets, supplemented by larval source management in the context of IVM and guided by vector surveillance coupled with rational operationalization of the GPIRM, will enable expeditious attainment of elimination in Namibia
Summary
Further to the evidence-based deployment of effective and proven malaria control interventions by the NVDCP, tremendous change in the epidemiology of the disease has been experienced across Namibia [30]. Though Namibia is transitioning towards malaria elimination, there are still very limited data available on the spatiotemporal bionomics and insecticide resistance status of malaria vector species to guide targeted and effective control, including monitoring of potential vectors and the role they could play in disease transmission. Networks for empirical and operations research including malaria vector species, bionomics and insecticide resistance monitoring and management should be established and operationalized This could be achieved through well coordinated collaboration with research and academia institutions i.e. national universities, as well as by creating an enabling environment for external institutions to develop interest in entomological research in the country. To expedite the transition towards elimination an emergency mode should be adopted by the control programme
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