Bed Nets Research Articles

Evaluation of Anopheline Diversity and Abundance across Outdoor Collection Schemes Utilizing CDC Light Traps in Nchelenge District, Zambia.

In the global fight against malaria, standard vector control methods such as indoor residual spraying (IRS) and insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) are intended to protect inside residential structures and sleeping spaces. However, these methods can still leave individuals vulnerable to residual transmission from vectors that they may be exposed to outdoors. Nchelenge District in northern Zambia experiences persistently high malaria transmission even with ITNs and IRS in place. However, very few studies have examined outdoor vector activity. To assess the diversity and abundance of outdoor foraging female anopheline mosquitoes, CDC light traps were used as proxy measures for mosquito host-seeking, set in three outdoor trapping schemes randomly assigned on different nights: (1) locations where people congregate at night outside of the house within the peri-domestic space, (2) animal pens or shelters, and (3) high-human-traffic areas, such as paths to latrines, where traps were baited with BG-Lure®. A total of 1087 total female anophelines were collected over a total of 74 trap nights. Anopheles funestus s.s. comprised the majority of the collection (86%), with An. gambiae s.s. (2%) and a highly diverse sampling of other anophelines (12%) making up the remainder. Plasmodium falciparum parasites were only detected in An. funestus (1%). No significant difference in species diversity or female anopheline abundance was detected between trapping schemes. Outdoor foraging anopheline mosquitoes, including a number of infectious An. funestus, may partially explain the difficulty of controlling malaria transmission in Nchelenge District, where vector control is only targeted indoors. BG-Lure® shows some promise as an alternative to human-baited landing catch collections in this resource-poor setting.

The Impact of Long Lasting Insecticidal-Treated Nets on Malaria Parasitaemia among out Patients in Shonga, Edu Local Government Area, Kwara State

The Impact of Long Lasting Insecticidal-Treated Nets on Malaria Parasitaemia among out Patients in Shonga, Edu Local Government Area, Kwara State

Long-lasting insecticidal nets use and the prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum infection among pregnant women attending antenatal care at the Bonassama District Hospital, Littoral Region of Cameroon: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundMalaria during pregnancy continues to be a significant cause of morbidity and mortality for both infants and mothers, particularly in sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries, despite increased efforts to control it. The utilization of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs) during pregnancy is a well-established strategy to reduce the prevalence of malaria. Nonetheless, inadequate adherence remains a persistent challenge in certain regions with high malaria endemicity. This research aimed to assess the effectiveness of long-lasting insecticidal nets in preventing asymptomatic malaria infections among pregnant women attending antenatal care at the Bonassama District Hospital in the Littoral Region of Cameroon.MethodsA hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to June 2022. Data on sociodemographic characteristics and LLIN usage were collected through a structured questionnaire, while asymptomatic malaria infections were identified using a PfHRP2/pLDH malaria qualitative rapid diagnostic kit. The relationship between categorical variables was analyzed using the chi-square test and logistic regression at a significance level of 5%.ResultsOut of the 411 pregnant women included in the study, 35.4% were diagnosed with malaria. The LLIN utilization rate was 65.1%. The risk of malaria infection was 2.7 times higher (AOR = 2.75, 95% CI = 1.83–4.14, p < 0.001) among women who did not consistently use LLINs compared to those who did. Pregnant women in their first trimester (AOR = 3.40, 95% CI = 1.24–4.64, p = 0.010) and second trimester (AOR = 1.90, 95%CI = 0.99–3.62, p = 0.055) were more likely to sleep under net when compared to those in the third trimester. Younger women 20–29 years (71.4%), those in the first trimester (69.6%) and those who had the nets before pregnancy (68.9%) were amongst those who frequently used use the nets. Among the reasons reported for not frequently using LLINs were heat (55.2%), suffocation (13.6%) and the smell of nets (8.4%).ConclusionThe use of LLIN was moderately high among the participants in this study, though still below national target. Age group, religion and gestation period were the major factors determining the use of LLINs. Considering the proven effectiveness of LLINs in reducing malaria morbidity and mortality, it is imperative for the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) to remain focused in promoting both LLIN ownership and utilization to achieve the national target of 100% and 80%, respectively.

Knowledge and practice of malaria vector control of the residents in Chu RCam commune, Krong Pa district, Gia Lai province, in 2023

Cross - sectional descriptive study with the aim of describing the knowledge and practices of malaria vector control among people in the area where malaria is still prevalent in Chu RCam commune from September to December 2023. The results of interviews with 300 people showed that the average ratio of people/net in the village was 1.5 people/net, while the ratio in the field was 2 people/net. 47.4% of people did not know the cause of malaria infection; 36.3% of people did not know the harmful effects of malaria, and 12.7% of people did not know how to sleep under a mosquito net to prevent malaria. 5.8% of people in the village and 3.3% of people in the field did not sleep under a mosquito net. 74.7% of people chose mosquito nets to prevent mosquitoes. Therefore, it is proposed to continue providing mosquito nets to households lacking mosquito nets.

Effectiveness of Insecticide Treated Mosquito Nets on the Death of Anopheles subpictus Mosquitoes

The prevalence of malaria in East Nusa Tenggara based on positive diagnosis results containing malaria parasites and symptoms in the 2013 - 2015 period decreased but has not yet reached the National Strategic Plan target, namely in 2013 it was 21 per 1,000 population (o/oo), in 2014 it was 14 o/oo, and in 2015 it became 8 o/oo (NTT Health Office, 2016). In 2017 there was a spike in malaria cases to 211,409 cases (API = 44.96 o/oo). Kupang Regency with 1,108 cases (API = 24.87 o/oo). Malaria cases in the Tarus Community Health Center work area are the eighth highest, namely 7 cases. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of insecticide-treated bed nets on the death of Anopheles subpictus mosquitoes. The variables observed were the length of time the mosquito net was used, the frequency of washing the mosquito net, the method of washing the mosquito net, and the percentage of Anopheles subpictus mosquito deaths. The effectiveness of insecticide-treated bed nets on the death of Anophles subpictus mosquitoes with usage time &lt; 3 years (100%), usage time 3 – 5 years (70%) and usage time &gt; 5 years (40%). The effectiveness of insecticide-treated bed nets that have never been washed reaches 100% mortality within 24 hours of observation. Meanwhile, mosquito nets with a washing frequency of 1 – 10 times (70%) kill mosquitoes, and a washing frequency of &gt; 10 times (50%). The method of washing mosquito nets carried out by the community in the Puskesmas Working Area is 100% using detergent. In the control group that used mosquito nets that did not contain insecticide, no Anopheles subpictus mosquito deaths occurred (0%). Suggestions for health workers to increase education regarding the correct use of mosquito nets, so that a higher level of effectiveness of mosquito nets is obtained as a means of personal protection in avoiding mosquito bites.

Impact of mass media campaigns on knowledge of malaria prevention measures among pregnant mothers in Uganda: a propensity score-matched analysis

BackgroundUganda grapples with a considerable malaria burden, reporting prevalence rates of over 33% in some regions. To address this, the Uganda Ministry of Health employs audiovisual platforms for disseminating malaria prevention messages. However, the impact of these messages on pregnant women’s knowledge of malaria prevention remains insufficiently explored. This paper therefore emphasizes the influence of audiovisual messages on the knowledge of malaria prevention measures among pregnant women in Uganda.MethodsSecondary data obtained from the Uganda Malaria Indicator Survey (MIS) 2018–2019 was used for this analysis. Women aged 15–49 were included in the study. A total of 8868 women were selected using a two-stage sample design. The two stages of selection included clusters and households. Women who were currently pregnant were included in the study, resulting in a weighted sample of 721 women. Propensity score-matched analysis was used to evaluate the impact of access to malaria messages on knowledge of prevention measures.ResultsThe study revealed that 39% [95% CI 34.0–44.2] of pregnant women were exposed to malaria messages before the survey. Those exposed had a 17.2% higher knowledge [ATT = 0.172; 95% CI 0.035–0.310] of using mosquito nets for prevention compared to those unexposed. Among women exposed, radios accounted for most form of access to mass media campaigns [64.8, 95% CI 57.0–71.8] followed by interpersonal communication [45.0, 95% CI 37.6–52.6], community health workers [38.8, 95% CI 29.6–48.8], community events [21.4, 95% CI 15.8–28.3], and social mobilization [18.3, 95% CI 12.7–25.8].ConclusionResults highlight the importance of radios in spreading important malaria prevention messages to pregnant women. Being exposed to these messages is linked to increased awareness and knowledge about the proper use of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) for preventing malaria. This finding underscores the importance of evaluating different channels for mass media campaigns to ensure the effective delivery of information about malaria prevention to the intended audiences.

Advancing spatial repellents for malaria control: effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a spatial repellent under operational use in Northern Uganda—study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial

BackgroundSpatial repellents (SRs) have been widely used for the prevention of mosquito bites, and preliminary findings suggest efficacy against both malaria (1) and Aedes-borne viruses (2) but their effectiveness in reducing mosquito-borne diseases under operational use has never been evaluated. SRs have the potential of being critical tools in the prevention of mosquito-borne diseases in contexts where typical vector control strategies, such as insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and indoor residual spraying, are inaccessible or underutilized such as among displaced persons or in emergency relief settings.MethodsChildren will be enrolled in 3 separate cohorts to establish the effectiveness of SRs in reducing malaria infection in different distribution channels. One cohort will estimate the direct effect of the SR distributed through a reference channel (study personnel distribution). The two remaining cohorts will estimate the protection of the SR distributed through a voucher channel and the Village Health Team channel. Cohorts will be followed twice a month (approximately every 15 days): during the first scheduled household visit in the month, a blood sample will be taken for malaria rapid diagnostic test (Monthly Visit #1); and, during the second scheduled household visit, a blood sample will only be taken if the participant has a recent history of fever (Monthly Visit #2). The incidence of malaria in each cohort will be estimated and compared to the reference cohort to determine the benefit of using a SR in an area with high, year-round transmission of malaria.DiscussionThis study will address the knowledge gap of whether or not SRs are effective in reducing human malaria disease in humanitarian assistance and emergency response settings in sub-Saharan Africa where underlying transmission rates are historically high and ITNs may or may not be widely deployed. This research will inform policy makers on whether to recommend SRs as a means to further reduce malaria transmission for such operational programs.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT06122142. Registered on November 8, 2023.

Clinical Manifestations and Health Impact of Malaria in Pregnant Women

Malaria during pregnancy poses significant health risks, both to mothers and their unborn children, due to the unique physiological and immunological changes occurring during this period. This review provides a comprehensive examination of the clinical manifestations and health impacts of malaria in pregnant women, highlighting the severity of the disease across different trimesters and its implications for maternal and fetal health. Malaria during pregnancy can cause symptoms like fever, anemia, headaches, fatigue, and nausea, with complications varying by trimester. In the first trimester, malaria can lead to early pregnancy loss and congenital anomalies, while in the second trimester, it can exacerbate maternal anemia and affect fetal growth. The third trimester is associated with an increased risk of preterm labor and adverse fetal outcomes. Placental malaria, characterized by parasite accumulation in the placenta, impairs nutrient and oxygen transfer to the fetus, leading to intrauterine growth restriction, low birth weight, and increased stillbirth risk. Maternal complications include severe anemia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and potential long-term health effects. HIV infection further complicates malaria during pregnancy, increasing risks for both mother and fetus. Age-related variations and socioeconomic factors also impact malaria severity and management. Effective management strategies include intermittent preventive treatment, insecticide-treated nets, and indoor residual spraying. Addressing malaria during pregnancy requires a multifaceted approach, including enhancing diagnostic tools, improving preventive measures, and ensuring equitable healthcare access. Keywords: Clinical Manifestations, Health, Malaria, Pregnant Women

A Machine Learning-Based Prediction of Malaria Occurrence in Kenya

For many years’ malaria has been a health public concern in Kenya as well as many parts of Africa and other parts of the world. The purpose of this study is to develop and evaluate a supervised machine learning model to predict malaria occurrence (final malaria test results) in Kenya. The study investigated twelve predictor variables on the outcome variable (malaria test results), where five machine learning models namely; k-nearest neighbors, support vector machines, random forest, tree bagging, and boosting, were estimated. During the model evaluation, random forest emerged as the best overall model in the classification and prediction of final malaria test results. The model attained a higher classification accuracy of 97.33%, sensitivity of 71.1%, specificity of 98.4%, balanced accuracy of 84.7% and an area under the curve of 98.3%. From the final model, the presence of plasmodium falciparum emerged most important feature, followed by region, endemic zone and anemic level. The feature with the least importance in predicting final malaria test results was having mosquito nets. In conclusion, employing Machine learning algorithms enhances early detection, optimizing resource allocation for interventions, and ultimately reducing the incidence and impact of malaria in the Kenya. The study recommends allocation of resources and funds to areas with the presence of plasmodium falciparum, region susceptible to malaria, endemic zones and anemic prone areas.

Manifestações clínicas e o manejo da infecção congênita pelo Zika Vírus: Uma revisão sistemática

Objective: The general objective of the present study is to analyze the scientific production on Congenital Zika Virus Infection, seeking to identify the main clinical manifestations, as well as the main methods used in the treatment of this pathology. Methodology: It is a systematic review focused on understanding the main aspects of Congenital Zika Virus Infection. The research was guided by the question: "What are the main signs and symptoms of congenital Zika virus infection in the pediatric population, as well as what are the therapeutic resources used in clinical practice?" . To find answers, searches were performed in the PubMed database using three descriptors combined with the Boolean term "AND". This resulted in 010 articles. 12 articles were selected for analysis. Results: Congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) emerges as a complex and multifaceted challenge whose implications go beyond the boundaries of public health. Babies exposed to the Zika virus during pregnancy face a range of clinical manifestations, from microcephaly to eye anomalies and neurological disorders. Prevention, therefore, takes on a crucial role: educating pregnant women about the risks and promoting protective measures, such as the use of repellents and mosquito nets, is imperative. Conclusion: Although we do not yet have a licensed Zika vaccine, research efforts continue to explore this possibility. In addition, long-term surveillance is essential to fully understand the effects of the virus. In this scenario, awareness, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a commitment to the well-being of future generations are our best allies in the fight against this potentially devastating syndrome.

Longitudinal survey of insecticide resistance in a village of central region of Burkina Faso reveals co-occurrence of 1014F, 1014S and 402L mutations in Anopheles coluzzii and Anopheles arabiensis

BackgroundPyrethroid resistance is one of the major threats for effectiveness of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) in malaria vector control. Genotyping of mutations in the voltage gated sodium channel (VGSC) gene is widely used to easily assess the evolution and spread of pyrethroid target-site resistance among malaria vectors. L1014F and L1014S substitutions are the most common and best characterized VGSC mutations in major African malaria vector species of the Anopheles gambiae complex. Recently, an additional substitution involved in pyrethroid resistance, i.e. V402L, has been detected in Anopheles coluzzii from West Africa lacking any other resistance alleles at locus 1014. The evolution of target-site resistance mutations L1014F/S and V402L was monitored in An. coluzzii and Anopheles arabiensis specimens from a Burkina Faso village over a 10-year range after the massive ITN scale-up started in 2010.MethodsAnopheles coluzzii (N = 300) and An. arabiensis (N = 362) specimens collected both indoors and outdoors by different methods (pyrethrum spray catch, sticky resting box and human landing collections) in 2011, 2015 and 2020 at Goden village were genotyped by TaqMan assays and sequencing for the three target site resistance mutations; allele frequencies were statistically investigated over the years.ResultsA divergent trend in resistant allele frequencies was observed in the two species: 1014F decreased in An. coluzzii (from 0.76 to 0.52) but increased in An. arabiensis (from 0.18 to 0.70); 1014S occurred only in An. arabiensis and slightly decreased over time (from 0.33 to 0.23); 402L increased in An. coluzzii (from 0.15 to 0.48) and was found for the first time in one An. arabiensis specimen. In 2020 the co-occurrence of different resistance alleles reached 43% in An. coluzzii (alleles 410L and 1014F) and 32% in An. arabiensis (alleles 1014F and 1014S).ConclusionsOverall, an increasing level of target-site resistance was observed among the populations with only 1% of the two malaria vector species being wild type at both loci, 1014 and 402, in 2020. This, together with the co-occurrence of different mutations in the same specimens, calls for future investigations on the possible synergism between resistance alleles and their phenotype to implement local tailored intervention strategies.

Overview of Malaria in Pregnancy: Challenges and Strategies for Effective Prevention

Malaria in pregnancy is a significant public health issue in sub-Saharan Africa, with 30 million pregnancies at risk each year. Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable due to immunological changes and the placental environment that facilitates parasite sequestration. The predominant malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, is associated with significant maternal and fetal complications. Effective malaria prevention strategies include insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and intermittent preventive treatment (IPTp) with Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine. However, adherence to preventive chemotherapy is challenging due to side effects and socioeconomic barriers. Health education programs are crucial for increasing awareness and promoting preventive behaviors. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are critical for managing severe malaria cases. Environmental and vector control measures, such as indoor residual spraying and larval source management, are vital for reducing mosquito populations and transmission. Nutritional interventions support immune function and overall health. Access to healthcare services, innovative technologies, and cultural and socioeconomic factors are essential for overcoming barriers to malaria prevention and treatment. Continuous monitoring and evaluation are crucial for refining interventions and improving health outcomes. Keywords: Malaria, Pregnancy, Challenges, Strategies, Effective Prevention

Factors Associated with Indoor Residual Spraying Programme Effectiveness in Mutare City, Manicaland Province, Zimbabwe

Introduction: Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease causing fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms. If untreated, it can lead to severe complications and death (CDC, 2016). Recently, Mutare city recorded malaria cases after local transmission was confirmed in 2017. Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) was implemented, but coverage decreased during the 2018/2019 IRS season, prompting a study in ten randomly selected locations. The study aimed to identify knowledge gaps, preferred alternatives to IRS, the influence of competing events, and household ownership on IRS. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study with 260 participants was conducted using proportional allocation for the study locations. Data were collected via interviewer-administered questionnaires, interviews with key informants, and focus group discussions. Results: Participants were mostly female (67%) and aged 31-60 years (50%), with vending being the top livelihood (52%). Only 38% always used bed nets, 24% owned houses, and 76% were tenants. IRS reservations included time consumption (11%), preference for other interventions (9%), landlord objections (22%), livelihood pressures (14%), labour intensity (15%), exposure of secrets and poverty (12%), distrust of the team (8%), and property damage (9%). Bed nets were preferred over IRS. Conclusion: Challenges in conducting IRS included knowledge gaps needing health education sessions, which faced attendance issues due to competing events. More strategic health education and bed net deployment were recommended.

Pooled prevalence of malaria and associated factors among vulnerable populations in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundMalaria is a serious, fatal disease, and a high-risk determinant for human health globally. Children, pregnant women, and migrants are vulnerable groups for malaria infection in African regions. Recently, malaria is an endemic disease in Ethiopia.ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of malaria and its determinant factors among the most vulnerable populations in Ethiopia.MethodsElectronic databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Semantic Scholar, and Scopus were used for searching articles published since the 2020 Gregorian calendar and onwards. All peer-reviewed Ethiopian journals, health institutions, and Universities were considered for article searching. A PRISMA flow chart and Endnote software were used for article screening, and to remove duplications, respectively. The modified version of the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale was used for potential risk of bias assessments. The heterogeneity among the included studies was evaluated using the indicator of heterogeneity (I2). Egger’s test and funnel plot were used to examine the possible publication bias. A random-effects analysis was used to assess the pooled prevalence of malaria, and its determinant factors with a 95% CI. The screening process, data extraction, and quality assessment were done independently, and any disagreements were resolved through discussions.ResultsA total of twelve studies were included in this study. The pooled malaria prevalence was 11.10% (95% CI: 6.10, 16.11). Stagnant water (AOR: 4.19, 95% CI: 2.47, 7.11), no insecticide-treated net utilization (AOR: 3.15, 95% CI: 1.73, 5.73), and staying outdoors at night (AOR: 5.19, 95% CI: 2.08, 12.94) were the pooled estimated statistically risk factors for malaria prevalence. Whereas, insecticide-treated bed net utilization (AOR: 1.59, 95% CI: 0.23, 10.95) reduces the risk of malaria infection.ConclusionsThe pooled prevalence of malaria is high among vulnerable populations. Creating awareness regarding utilization of insecticide-treated bed nets, and draining stagnant water from the environment are possible interventions to reduce the prevalence of malaria.

Prospect of Social Marketing in Enhancing the Acquisition and Utilization of Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) for the Prevention of Malaria in a Rural Area of Imo State, South-Eastern Nigeria

Background Proper utilization of Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) has been shown to be very effective in preventing malaria and in reducing the incidence of the disease. Getting people to buy and utilize ITNs has proven very difficult especially in low-income settings of sub-Saharan Africa where the disease is endemic. This research work, therefore assesses the effectiveness of the application of social marketing strategies in encouraging the acquisition and utilization of ITNs. Focus of the Article The marketing mix concept which is usually referred to as the 4Ps of social marketing-price, place, product and promotion-were put to test to identify how the respondents will respond to variation in any of them. The research aims to assess the people’s response to a favorable change in the price of ITNs, product quality, product location and target advertisement. Research Question The research questions that this study aimed to answer is; will the introduction of the traditional marketing mix of social marketing help drive the acquisition and utilization of ITNs by the people in rural communities of Imo State, Nigeria? Program Design/Approach The research report contained in this manuscript is targeted at health products (tangible and intangible) marketing researchers in resource-limited settings. These researchers who may not be able to afford the acquisition of large quantity health products like the ITNs to conduct their study can adopt the method employed in this study. Here the “prospect” of using social marketing strategies like the traditional marketing mix, to determine a possible increase in the acquisition and utilization of ITNs by the people. Importance to the Social Marketing Field This study describes how researchers in low-and-middle income countries could conduct a social marketing research on tangible products such as the ITN without really selling ITNs. The people’s intent to buy and use ITNs were assessed. More than 10 previous studies from as far back as 1999 were assessed, none of them employed the current methodology. Methodology This study was a descriptive cross-sectional study where a multi-stage sampling technique was employed to recruit the study participants. Results It was found that 55.1% had ITNs, good utilization rate of 80.6% was recorded among those who possessed ITNs. Using the social marketing principle to assess respondents’ intent to own and use ITNs, an increase of 27.2%, 38.1%, 31.3%, and 35.9% will be achieved if the cost of acquiring ITNs becomes affordable, when ITNs become accessible, when practical guidance on use was provided, and when quality was improved. The study also revealed that, the vigorous pursue of social marketing techniques can enhance the sales of ITNs and its usage among the people. Recommendation for Research or Practice This study has justified the usefulness of social marketing in engendering positive behavioural change where people can be motivated to adopt a health innovation. It is therefore recommended that health innovations and products must be sold to the people using social marketing strategies as this has been proven not only to encourage adoption/acquisition, but also utilization.

Integrated Vector Control (IVC) Strategies and Services of Barangay Health Stations (BHS) in District 5 of Manila City against Dengue Mosquitoes amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

In the absence of an effective vaccine, integrated vector control (IVC) is the key method for controlling dengue cases. The COVID-19 pandemic lockdown significantly weakened the surveillance, preventive insecticide application, and vector control effectiveness. Therefore, the Department of Health issued a memorandum urging barangays to keep implementing interventions to prevent dengue cases from growing in number. This study aimed to describe the status of the implementation of the IVC component of the National Dengue Prevention and Control Program by the Barangay Health Stations (BHSs) of District 5, Manila City, the Philippines, before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019 and during the pandemic in 2020. The pandemic affected numerous government programs, so the IVC status before and amid the pandemic is worth describing. The study used a cross-sectional descriptive design with a remote survey being conducted with 144 BHS from 08–23 Feb 2021 using a self-administered questionnaire. Results showed that the BHS conducted larviciding (84.02%), adulticiding either through indoor residual spraying [IRS (86.81%)] or space spraying (77.08%) in 2019. Distributions of insecticide-treated nets [ITN (27.78%)], insecticide-treated curtains [ITC (17.36%)], smoke repellents (54.17%), and skin repellents (50.00%) were also implemented. In 2020 amid the pandemic, 81.94% of BHS implemented larviciding, whereas 83.33% and 77.08% conducted IRS and space spraying, respectively. In addition, ITNs (24.31%), ITCs (17.36%), smoke repellents (52.08%), and skin repellents (44.44%) were also distributed in 2020. Despite the pandemic, most barangays in District 5 continued to implement IVC strategies, which contributed to vector density and possibly prevented an increase in mosquito density that could have led to dengue outbreaks.

Intervention portfolios analysis of Plasmodium vivax control in central China

BackgroundThe effects of a diverse spectrum of malaria interventions were evaluated through a deterministic Plasmodium vivax transmission model. This approach aimed to provide theoretical evidence of the performance of these interventions once implemented for achieving malaria elimination.MethodsAn integrated intervention portfolio, including mass drug administration, insecticide treatment, and untreated bed nets, was analyzed through modeling. Additionally, data-driven calibration was implemented to infer coverages that effectively reproduced historical malaria patterns in China from 1971 to 1983.ResultsMDA utilizing primaquine emerged as the most effective single intervention, achieving a 70% reduction in malaria incidence when implemented at full coverage. Furthermore, a strategic combination of MDA with primaquine, chloroquine, untreated bed nets, and seasonal insecticide treatments effectively eradicated malaria, attaining elimination at a coverage level of 70%. It was conclusively demonstrated that an integrated approach combining MDA and vector control measures is essential for the successful elimination of malaria.ConclusionHigh coverage of mass drug administration with primaquine and chloroquine before transmission was the key driver of the malaria decline in China from 1971 to 1983. The best-fit intervention coverage combinations derived from calibration are provided as a reference for malaria control in other countries.

Living Conditions and Malaria: A Longitudinal Study in a Rural Malaria-Endemic Area of Sri Lanka.

This study was conducted in a rural malaria-endemic community in Sri Lanka in 2014-2015 because malaria was no longer endemic in the area as of November 2012. Data on sociodemographic factors, living conditions, malaria infections, and use of mosquito protection methods during the period from 1990 to 2015 were collected through a household survey in a systematically selected sample of 724 households, covering >10% of the population in the area. Malaria incidence data were obtained from Anti-Malaria Campaign, and Malaria Research Unit of the University of Colombo. A total of 24,549 malaria cases were reported and a considerable improvement in living conditions was noted during the period covered. The association of malaria case incidence with living conditions of the community was evaluated using Spearman Rank Correlation at P <0.05. Sixty-six percent of households reported a history of malaria. The percentage of poorest type of houses (type 1) declined from 38.8% in the 1990-1994 period to 1.6% by 2015, whereas the best houses (type 5) doubled from 49.1% to 92.1% during the same period. Malaria case incidence was reported to be lowest in the best type houses (r = -0.933, P = 0.007), when pipe-borne water was available within the premises (for drinking: r = -0.846, P = 0.034; for personal hygiene: r = -0.859, P = 0.029), when water-sealed sanitary facilities were available (r = -0.956, P = 0.003), and when mosquito nets were used (r = -0.98, P = 0.001). This observed negative association may have been due to reduced human-mosquito contact.

Prevalence of Plasmodium and Soil-Transmitted Helminth Coinfection and Associated Factors among Malaria-Suspected Patients Attending Shewa Robit Health Center, North-Central Ethiopia.

Plasmodium and soil-transmitted helminth (STH) coinfection is a major public health problem in developing countries. Its prevalence and associated factors are poorly addressed in the available research. Therefore, this study aimed to assess Plasmodium-STH coinfection prevalence and associated factors among malaria-suspected patients attending Shewa Robit Health Center, north-central Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 379 malaria-suspected patients attending Shewa Robit Health Center from April to May 2023. Stool and blood samples were collected from each participant. Plasmodium and STHs were detected from blood and stool samples by using blood film and the Kato-Katz method, respectively. Data were entered into Epi Info version 7 and analyzed by SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics were used to compute Plasmodium-STH coinfection. Logistic regression was used to identify associated factors. Variables with a P-value <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Among the study participants, 27.9%, 20.3%, and 13.4% were positive for Plasmodium, STHs, and Plasmodium-STH coinfection, respectively. The prevalence of Plasmodium-Ascaris lumbricoides coinfection was high (7.6%). Unavailability of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs), improper use of ITNs, absence of indoor residual spraying, presence of stagnant water, and previous malaria infection were significantly associated (P <0.01) with Plasmodium infection. Being illiterate, using an unimproved latrine, having an untrimmed fingernail, and practicing open defecation were also significantly associated (P <0.03), with STH infection. Being male, illiterate, and living in rural areas were significantly associated (P <0.03) with Plasmodium-STH coinfection. The prevalence of Plasmodium-STH coinfection was high in malaria-endemic areas. Therefore, malaria-suspected cases should be checked for STH infection.

Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practices toward malaria in the Lunglei district, Mizoram, North-East India

BackgroundThe western districts of Mizoram (Lunglei, Mamit, and Lawngtlai) are malaria hotspots. Understanding the knowledge, attitude, and practices of the tribal communities in Mizoram’s western districts will aid the development of specific interventions.MethodsAn explanatory sequential mixed-method study was conducted from April to November 2023 in the Lunglei district. In a community-based cross-sectional survey of 353 participants, the knowledge, attitude, practices, and care-seeking behaviour toward malaria were assessed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data was analysed using SPSS version 29 software; univariate variables were presented in percentage, and bivariate and multivariate variables were analysed using the chi-square test and logistic regression, respectively. This was followed by in-depth telephonic interviews of twelve participants, and the data was analysed using NVivo.ResultsOut of the 353 respondents, 77.9%, 82.7%, 55.5%, and 63.2% of the participants had good knowledge, attitude, practices, and care-seeking behaviour, respectively. The in-depth qualitative interviews highlighted the villagers’ good knowledge of the various aspects of malaria transmission, treatment, and prevention practices (indoor residual spraying and use of insecticide-treated nets).ConclusionHigh disease endemicity, awareness programmes and vector control interventions might be contributing to the overall good knowledge, attitude, and practices toward malaria among the villagers. In addition to vector control measures, active parasite surveillance is key to malaria control in this region.