Bed Nets Research Articles

In spite of the increase in the number of distributed mosquito nets, and awareness campaigns on its efficacy in malaria control in sub-Saharan Africa with high burden of malaria, there is a dearth of study on the effects of malaria messages on use of mosquito nets by under-five children (U5 children). Thus, the objectives of this study were to compare the use of mosquito nets by under-five children in four West African countries; and to investigate the predictive influence of exposure to malaria messages on the use of mosquito nets U5 children. The data was from post-2020 Malaria Indicator Surveys (MIS) on nationally representative samples of women aged 15-49 years in four West African countries of Liberia, Mali, Niger and Nigeria. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, chi square test and multilevel logistic regression models. The proportion of under-five children who slept under mosquito nets ranged from 47% in Nigeria to 86% in Niger. The highest proportions of respondents from Liberia (38%) and Niger (19%) got information on malaria from health facilities while the highest proportions of 31% and 27% of respondents in Mali and Nigeria respectively got information from the mass media. The bivariate chi square test results of net use showed significant association across all the population groups in all the countries with the exception of malaria information from mass media in Liberia, Mali and Niger. In the full regression model, Liberia (OR = 1.31), Mali (OR = 9.90), and Niger (OR = 3.67), had significantly increased odds the odds of U5 children sleeping with mosquito nets while Nigeria (OR = 0.31) exhibited significantly reduced odds of U5 children sleeping with mosquito nets. Other factors which significantly influenced U5 children sleeping with mosquito nets in all the countries were malaria information from health facilities, number of U5 children in households, size of households, and regions of residence. The study among other things recommends the need for more enlightenment campaigns on the use of mosquito especially by health workers in health facilities. There is also need for region-specific interventions based on significant predictors of the use of mosquito nets in locations where respondents reported lesser proportion of U5 children who slept under mosquito nets.

Malaria continues to be one of the most significant global health challenges, particularly among children under five years of age in sub-Saharan Africa, where it remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Despite considerable progress in prevention and treatment, comorbidities such as anemia, malnutrition, respiratory infections, diarrheal diseases, HIV/AIDS, sickle cell disease, and tuberculosis complicate clinical management, exacerbate disease severity, and increase fatality rates. This narrative review examines the management of malaria with comorbidities, emphasizing the need for high-quality diagnostics, integrated care approaches, and context-specific preventive strategies. It highlights the persistence of poor case management in pediatric malaria and the clinical overlap that often results in misdiagnosis and overtreatment. Artemisinin-based combination therapies remain the standard for uncomplicated malaria, while integrated models of care that address HIV, malnutrition, and other concurrent infections have shown promising results in improving outcomes. Preventive strategies such as insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), indoor residual spraying (IRS), and the introduction of the RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine have reduced transmission rates, yet inequities in access and socioeconomic determinants continue to undermine progress. Furthermore, emerging research emphasizes the role of proteomics and epidemiologic mapping in understanding malaria pathophysiology and comorbidity interactions. Persistent gaps in diagnosis, treatment adherence, and surveillance systems call for policy reforms and increased investments in research, innovation, and healthcare infrastructure. Achieving malaria elimination will require coordinated multi-sectoral collaboration, sustained funding, and community engagement to integrate malaria control within broader child health and development agendas. Keywords: Malaria comorbidities, Pediatric malaria, integrated healthcare, Preventive strategies, Policy and research gaps

BackgroundThe World Health Organization recommends insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs) as one of the main interventions to control malaria spread. The leading driver of this intervention is use of ITN; however, socio-demographic characteristics factors, access and possession of ITN could also influence its usage. Therefore, the present study aimed to document the factors associated with using ITNs to eliminate malaria in Burkina Faso. This study's findings would be useful to the National Malaria Control Programme and other stakeholders engaged in the promotion of ITNs to fight malaria cases.MethodsData were collected from a quasi-experimental cross-sectional study in Burkina Faso. An analytical approach including a descriptive and an explanatory component was used. For the descriptive aspect of the analysis, possession, access, and use of ITNs were described. The factors associated with ITN use were assessed using univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses, with the level of significance at 5%. The data were analysed using Stata 16.1 software.ResultsThe results of the saturated model showed that the type of textile of the IBD (polyester: odds ratio OR 1.23; 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.13, 1.33]) and age of the IBD (6–11 months, OR 0.91, 95% CI [0.83, 0.997]; ≥ 12 months OR 0.52, 95% CI [0.401, 0.675]) are influential factors for the use of ITNs. On the other hand, the level of ITN possession (excessive ITNs; OR 0.66; 95% CI [0.597, 0.74]) and the household poverty quintile showed a positive correlation with the use of ITNs (mean OR 0.791, 95% CI [0.694, 0.902]; rich OR 0.656, 95% CI [0.573, 0.751], and very rich OR 0.557, 95% CI [0.484,0.641]).ConclusionThere is a strong association between ITN use, type of textile, age of ITNs and number of ITNs in possession. Strengthening health education on the benefits and importance of ITN use will improve the appropriate use of ITNs among the population of Burkina Faso.

Malaria remains a significant public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where vector control strategies, particularly insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS), have played a critical role in reducing transmission. However, the emergence and spread of insecticide resistance among malaria vectors threatens to undermine these gains. In response, many countries in the region have developed national insecticide resistance management (IRM) plans. This study evaluates the adequacy and implementation of these plans in Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, and mainland Tanzania, aiming to identify key challenges and best practices, and to develop actionable recommendations applicable to these and other countries with similar contexts. A mixed-methods approach was employed, incorporating document reviews, epidemiological and entomological data analysis, and discussions with stakeholders and experts in 2023. The evaluation focused on the alignment of national IRM plans with national malaria control strategies, their operational effectiveness, and the ability to guide effective monitoring and management of insecticide resistance. The assessment was conducted before changes in the global aid funding landscape. Each country has developed a 5-year IRM plan; however, the plans for Côte d'Ivoire and mainland Tanzania were found to be outdated. While the plans align well with national malaria strategies and international guidelines, implementation has been hindered by inadequate domestic funding and heavy reliance on external donors. Sentinel site coverage for resistance monitoring remains limited, though ITN campaigns have increasingly adopted targeted approaches using varied net types based on local data. IRS is sparsely deployed, but where it is used, rotation of insecticides with differing modes of action is practiced. Despite existing strengths, such as subnational tailoring of interventions, major challenges persist, including inactive monitoring sites and limited data availability due to financial and logistical constraints. The assessment identified important recommended actions, including increased mobilization of domestic financing of resistance monitoring and management to offset shortfalls in external funding, updating of national IRM plans regularly by realistically aligning with available resources, and improved tailoring of effective vector control through high-quality and localized resistance and malaria risk data. Insecticide resistance remains a significant threat to malaria control efforts across sub-Saharan Africa. Robust, adaptable IRM plans are essential to address this challenge. Case studies from Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, and mainland Tanzania reveal that such policy plans exist but implementation gaps, largely driven by funding shortages (a challenge that has increased since the study was completed), undermine the effectiveness of existing strategies. Strengthening domestic resource mobilization, enhancing multisectoral coordination, and investing in systematic entomological surveillance are critical to ensure evidence-based, sustainable vector control programmes.

Cross-border malaria control programs have become indispensable components of regional and global health strategies aimed at achieving malaria elimination. These initiatives emphasize cooperation among countries sharing porous borders where human mobility, environmental factors, and socioeconomic disparities facilitate sustained transmission. The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, established in 2002, remains the principal funding mechanism supporting these efforts, having disbursed over US$21.7 billion to more than 150 countries. Recent innovations, particularly Geographic Information Systems (GIS), mobile health (m-health) applications, and decision-support systems are revolutionizing the detection, monitoring, and control of malaria in endemic regions. GIS technology facilitates spatial mapping, vector surveillance, and environmental modeling, allowing for evidence-based decision-making in malaria control programs across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Likewise, m-health applications enable timely reporting, real-time case management, and improved coordination among health workers, particularly in remote and border communities. Community engagement and education remain central to malaria elimination success, fostering local ownership and compliance with preventive interventions such as indoor residual spraying (IRS), insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), and early diagnosis initiatives. Furthermore, monitoring and evaluation frameworks have evolved to capture dynamic indicators beyond morbidity and mortality, focusing instead on transmission foci, parasitological confirmation, and imported case tracking. However, challenges persist in sustaining funding, harmonizing policies, and ensuring cross-border coordination. The future of malaria control depends on integrating sustainable practices, strengthening research and development, and mobilizing domestic political will to complement international support. Effective cross-border malaria control will require adaptive policy mechanisms, regional data-sharing platforms, and sustained commitment to innovation, ultimately driving the global malaria eradication agenda toward 2030. KEYWORDS: Cross-Border Malaria Control, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Fund, Mobile Health (m-Health) Innovations, and Regional Health Collaboration.

Malaria remains a major global health concern, disproportionately affecting populations in sub-Saharan Africa and other endemic regions. While biological factors determine susceptibility to infection, gender plays a decisive role in influencing exposure, treatment-seeking behavior, and outcomes. This paper examines the gender dimensions of malaria burden, highlighting how social, cultural, and economic inequalities intersect with biological differences to shape vulnerability. Women, particularly pregnant women face elevated risks due to physiological susceptibility, limited mobility, financial constraints, and unequal decision-making power in households. Men, meanwhile, are frequently exposed through occupational activities such as farming and forest work but often delay seeking care due to sociocultural norms surrounding masculinity. The study emphasizes the role of community health workers (CHWs) in bridging access gaps, particularly for women in remote or resource-limited settings. It also explores gender-specific interventions, including tailored awareness campaigns and prevention strategies such as insecticide-treated net (ITN) distribution, which have proven effective in several African and Asian contexts. Despite progress, gaps persist in policy integration, data disaggregation, and gender-sensitive research. Addressing these disparities requires embedding gender analysis in malaria prevention, treatment, and policy frameworks. Through a gender-responsive approach aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) health systems can improve equity, strengthen community resilience, and accelerate the global drive toward malaria elimination. Keywords: Gender and Malaria, Health Inequality, Community Health Workers (CHWs), Policy Integration and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

A multidimensional space-time geospatial analysis for examining the spatial trends of vector-borne diseases: 20 years of malaria in Kenya.

High-throughput in vivo screening platform for rapid discovery of adult mosquitocides: Design, validation and automation for scalable vector control.

Malaria continues to pose a major public health threat especially in tropical regions like Nigeria where inadequate drainage systems create stagnant water that fosters mosquito breeding. While conventional interventions such as insecticide-treated nets, indoor spraying, and antimalarial drugs remain essential, environmental management has been comparatively underexplored. This study presents a six-compartment mathematical model that incorporates human and mosquito population dynamics alongside open and closed drainage systems to evaluate their role in controlling malaria transmission. The model integrates susceptible, infected, and recovered classes in both populations and introduces drainage effectiveness parameters (κO and κC) to simulate the reduction in mosquito habitats. Analytical findings show that when κO + κC > 1, the disease-free equilibrium becomes locally asymptotically stable which effectively halting endemic transmission. The basic reproduction number (R0) is derived and results confirm that optimized drainage can bring R0 below the critical threshold of 1 which is a necessary condition for disease elimination. An optimization framework using Lagrangian techniques further demonstrates that an equal allocation of drainage resources (κODO = κCDC = c/2) yields the most efficient reduction in mosquito populations. Sensitivity analyses highlight that higher mosquito reproduction (ρm) and contact rates (β2) exacerbate disease persistence there by reinforcing the need for an integrative approaches. This study underscores the potential of drainage optimization as a sustainable, evidence-based addition to malaria control strategies. It offers actionable recommendations for policymakers to integrate environmental management into public health frameworks aimed at achieving malaria elimination by 2030.

The Democratic Republic of Congo is one of the countries with the heaviest burdens of malaria. To ensure that vector control tools, particularly insecticide-treated nets, remain effective as a prevention tool, entomological surveillance has been conducted throughout the country. In one location, early biting was noted by a majority of mosquitoes, morphologically identified as Anopheles paludis, a species in the Coustani Group, which had previously been found to transmit malaria in this country. The aim of this study was to better understand the Coustani Group species diversity, bionomics, and role in local malaria transmission in the DRC using both field and molecular approaches. Human landing collections and pyrethrum spray catches were conducted in Lodja, Kapolowe, and on one occasion, in Kenge. The mosquitoes were morphologically identified and processed in the laboratory. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assays and PCRs were conducted to determine whether mosquitoes carried Plasmodium sporozoites, and ITS2 and CO1 sequencing was conducted to identify species. Anopheles paludis mosquitoes (as morphologically identified) were not found with sporozoites in Lodja, and only one specimen was found with sporozoites in Kapolowe. When the ITS2 and CO1 sequencing was conducted, there appeared to be two species groups in Lodja (where only An. paludis was identified morphologically) and four in Kapolowe (where An. paludis and Anopheles caliginosus were identified morphologically). There appeared to be differences between the species groups in terms of their biting times. The Coustani Group mosquitoes tested in this study did not appear to be major vectors of malaria, due to the low levels of detection of sporozoites in mosquitoes collected in and around houses in DRC, which differs from some studies previously conducted in DRC. However, this conclusion is complicated by the detection of four species groups, which may have different biting behaviour. Further work is necessary to ensure correct identification of species in order to understand the contribution of these species to malaria in DRC.

Malaria is a significant public health problem in various regions, especially in developing countries. Suku Anak Dalam (SAD) is a tribe that lives in the jungle by foraging for forest products. SAD always lives in the forest and carries out activities such as hunting and living in the wilderness or in the garden. This research aims to highlight the importance of strengthening the role of SAD in malaria control efforts through a sustainable and integrated approach in public health programs. This research method is an observational type with an ecological study method, a cross-sectional design was carried out by involving interviews and observational, data were analyzed using the chi-square statistical test, this study as a population is the community living in the Senami forest of Jebak village as many as 40 people as a sample and the total population, this study evaluated knowledge, attitudes, and practices of malaria control. The results show that SAD has a varied understanding of malaria, with most showing high concern for control efforts. The active involvement of SAD in counseling and the implementation of preventive practices, such as the use of mosquito nets and antimalarial drugs, has increased awareness and reduced the prevalence of this disease. However, challenges such as limited access to health resources and environmental changes that affect malaria vectors remain obstacles that must be overcome.

India plans to eliminate malaria by 2030, targeting zero local cases by 2027. However, malaria remains prevalent in endemic regions. As a means of addressing this issue, insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) are crucial for prevention. In areas with pyrethroid-resistant vectors, studies indicate that ITNs containing pyrethroids and piperonyl butoxide (PBO) are more effective. However, their physical and chemical durability and bioefficacy in this setting require further evaluation. This study assessed the durability of two pyrethroid-PBO-treated nets and one pyrethroid-only-treated net to determine whether they met the World Health Organization (WHO)'s 3-year operational performance criteria for "long-lasting" classification. A total of 7570 ITNs-2664 Veeralin® (alpha-cypermethrin and PBO), 2246 Olyset® Plus (permethrin and PBO), and 2660 MAGNet® (alpha-cypermethrin)-were distributed among 4186 households, following village randomization in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh, India. Following the baseline survey, all distributed ITNs were followed up annually for 36months to measure ITN survival and bioefficacy. The median functional survival period of the ITNs was estimated at 8 years (interquartile range [IQR] 7.00-9.00 years) for Veeralin®, 5.67 (IQR 5.00-6.33) years for MAGNet®, and 2.51 (IQR 2.19-2.88) years for Olyset® Plus. Bioassays conducted 36 months post-distribution using susceptible mosquito strains revealed 24-h mortality rates of 93.5% (91.8-95.3) for Veeralin® ITNs, 45.0% (33.7-56.4) for MAGNet® ITNs, and 59.3% (50.7-68.70) for Olyset® Plus ITNs. The "optimally insecticidal" period (24-h mortality > 80%) was 30months for Veeralin® ITNs (84.0% [77.3-90.9] mortality), 18months for MAGNet® ITNs (94.6% [92.2-97.2] mortality), and 12months for Olyset® Plus ITNs (98.2% [97.5-98.9] mortality). Bioassays using an alpha-cypermethrin-resistant strain at 36months showed 68.5% (64.9-72.0) mortality for Veeralin® ITNs and 58.1% (52.0-64.2) mortality for Olyset® Plus ITNs. Community acceptability at 36months was 88.5% for Veeralin® ITNs, 86.7% for MAGNet® ITNs, and 56.3% for Olyset® Plus ITNs. In the Indian geographic setting, Veeralin® ITNs met the criterion to be considered long-lasting insecticidal nets, remaining in serviceable condition (96.1%) for more than 3years. They remained optimally insecticidal against pyrethroid-resistant mosquitoes and susceptible mosquitoes for 3years.

Determining the host seeking and resting behaviours of malaria vectors in a locality is vital for the design and implementation of locally adapted vector control strategies. This study investigated the seasonal abundance, host seeking, and resting behaviours of malaria vectors in localities where insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS) are persistently used in Mazowe and Shamva districts. Anopheles mosquitoes were sampled from both living and non-living structures using CDC light traps, Prokopack aspirator, and artificial pit traps in April, July, October, and December 2023. Female Anopheles were identified using morphological keys. R software was used for data analysis. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to assess differences in the abundance of female Anopheles across collection methods, while a negative binomial Generalized Linear Mixed Model (GLMM) was used to determine the effect of study site, season, and type of structure on the abundance of female Anopheles mosquitoes. Overall, 787 female Anopheles were caught, comprising An. gambiae sensu lato (s.l.) (33%), An. funestus s.l. (17.4%) and others (49.6%). Relative abundance of female Anopheles mosquitoes based on collection method showed significant difference (Kruskal-Wallis: X2 = 42.33, df = 3, p < 0.001). There were significantly more female Anopheles mosquitoes caught in Shamva district (p = 0.023), during the post-rainfall season (p < 0.001), in traditional-style bedrooms (p < 0.001) and grass thatch toilets (p = 0.045). Notable proportions of An. gambiae s.l. were caught seeking hosts pre-bedtime outdoors (19%) and early morning outdoors (14.3%), and An. funestus s.l. pre-bedtime indoors (14.5%) and early morning outdoors (10.9%). High percentages of An. gambiae s.l. (51.1%) and An. funestus s.l. (35.6%) were caught from non-living structures that lack insecticide treatment. Malaria vectors are circumventing current control measures by biting people when they are not protected by ITNs and resting in outdoor areas or indoor structures where insecticides are not applied. Supplementary interventions, including larval source management (LSM) and repellents, are required to reduce the risks of residual malaria transmission.

Prompt diagnosis and effective treatment are key malaria interventions that rely on community knowledge and adherence to treatment. With the emergence of artemisinin resistance in Rwanda, ensuring optimal malaria treatment practices within communities is essential. This study examined malaria knowledge, attitudes, and practices among febrile patients at government clinics to identify factors influencing malaria treatment practices. A cross-sectional study was conducted in six health facilities in moderate- to high-malaria-transmission areas of Rwanda. Patients or caregivers of children with fevers were enrolled and interviewed using semistructured questionnaires. From December 2023 to February 2024, 406 participants were enrolled; 71% (n = 289/406) of participants owned insecticide-treated nets, and 51% (n = 205/406) received indoor residual spraying. Malaria knowledge was high among respondents, with 81% (n = 329/406) correctly identifying symptoms, 72% (n = 291/406) understanding transmission modes, and 74.6% (n = 303/406) aware of effective control measures. However, of the 44.3% (n = 180/406) who received malaria treatment in the last 6 months, only 46% (n = 83/180) completed the appropriate 3-day medication course; 37% (n = 66/180) stopped within 2 days, and 11% (n = 19/180) went over 3 days. Furthermore, 27% (n = 109/406) took antimalarials for fever; the majority (54%; n = 49/109) received medication from drug outlets/pharmacies. Although knowledge and attitudes toward malaria treatment were high, adherence was poor, thereby exacerbating the risk of developing resistance. Effective interventions are urgently needed to improve antimalarial adherence, particularly in sub-Saharan African countries with documented antimalarial resistance.

Background: According to the latest WHO data from 2022, 608,000 deaths are attributed to malaria, with 94% in Africa. Gaps persist due to insufficient knowledge, negative attitudes, and inadequate practices among at-risk populations. In order to achieve the WHO 2030 targets, it is crucial to conduct in-depth investigations. Objective: He was question of assessing the knowledge, attitudes and practices of communities with regard to the fight against malaria in the health district of Dschang. Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study with an analytical component conducted in 10 health areas of the Dschang district from December 2024 to July 2025. It targeted individuals aged 15 years and older. A multi-stage stratified cluster sampling was used. The chi-square test and binary logistic regression analysis were used to estimate the crude and adjusted ORs with a significance level of p&lt;0.05. Results: The results of our study revealed that 96.51% of participants correctly identified mosquito bites as a mode of malaria transmission. Fever was recognized as a symptom of malaria by 99.76% of respondents, while the use of mosquito nets as a means of prevention was recognized by 98.67%. An average level of knowledge about malaria was observed among 68.80% of participants. Regarding attitudes, 83.01% of individuals perceived malaria as "fairly serious" or "very serious", and 54.22% of participants showed positive attitudes towards malaria. Regarding practices, 74.1% had adequate malaria control practices. Factors significantly associated with inadequate practices (p&lt;0.001) include gender (male), education level (secondary) (ORa 2.38; 95% CI: 1.36-4.13; p=0.002). In addition, monthly income level (less than 50,000 FCFA: ORa 3.61; 95% CI: 1.65-7.86; p=0) and insufficient knowledge (ORa 17.35; 95% CI: 3.64-82.74; p=0) or average knowledge (ORa 17.29; 95% CI: 3.97-75.24; p=0) were also significant factors. Female gender (ORa 0.2; 95% CI: 0.11-0.33; p=0) and the presence of children under 5 years old at home (ORa 0.33; 95% CI: 0.19-0.58; p=0) appeared as protective factors. Conclusion: The study reveals an average level of knowledge and predominantly positive attitudes. However, sociodemographic and knowledge factors significantly influence inappropriate practices.

BackgroundMalaria remains a significant global public health challenge. In Kenya, it is a leading cause of illness and death among children under five in malaria-endemic areas. Understanding its prevalence and the factors influencing it is essential for informed public health decisions and targeted interventions.ObjectiveAssess prevalence and associated factors of malaria in under-five children using the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey data.MethodA total of 3146 children were included in this study. A multilevel logistic regression model was fitted to assess factors associated with malaria, with significance reported at p-value < 0.05 and a 95% confidence interval.ResultsThe prevalence of malaria among under-five children in Kenya was 22.72% (95% CI: 21.29, 24.22). Maternal age between 25–34 (AOR:0.75,95% CI:0.57,0.99) years, richest wealth of family (AOR 0.48, 95% CI 0.26–0.89), treated mosquito bed net (AOR = 0.39; 95% CI: 0.17, 0.89), no bed net (AOR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.31, 0.77), mothers who are breast feeding (AOR = 0.66; 95% CI: 0.52, 0.85) and community level poverty(AOR = 1.82; 95% CI: 1.19, 2.77) were the associated factors of malaria among underfive children in Kenya.ConclusionMalaria prevalence among under-five children in Kenya was 22.72%, with risk factors including poverty and lack of bed net use, while maternal age (25–34 years), higher wealth, treated bed nets, and breastfeeding were protective. To reduce malaria, promoting the use of insecticide-treated bed nets, supporting low-income families, and strengthening maternal health education are essential. Additionally, poverty alleviation programs and enhanced malaria surveillance can help mitigate risks. Strengthening community-based interventions and improving healthcare access are crucial for long-term malaria control.

A natural convection greenhouse solar dryer for Kapenta fish was designed and evaluated for its effectiveness in drying performance, thermal efficiency, specific energy consumption, and economic viability in terms of net present value and payback period. The system featured a 1.0 m &amp;times; 0.9 m drying tray and a 1.5 m&amp;sup2; greenhouse floor area, with 40% of the surface exposed for additional solar heating. Constructed from LDPE film, timber, HDPE components, rocks, mosquito netting, and a zipper, the dryer was optimized for efficient airflow, heat retention, and user convenience. Natural convection facilitated continuous airflow, as heated air exited through a top outlet while cooler ambient air entered from the bottom. Internal temperatures ranged from 49 &amp;deg;C to 60 &amp;deg;C, sustained by heat-retaining rocks that extended drying beyond peak sunlight hours. During testing, a 3 kg batch of fish with an initial moisture content of 76.7% was dried to 2.1% (wet basis) within 4.5 hours, compared to 14.3% moisture under open sun drying. The system achieved a thermal efficiency of 22.3% and a specific energy consumption of 2.81 kWh/kg, with an average airflow rate of 0.021 kg/s. Even under moderate solar radiation (773.9 W/m&amp;sup2;) and ambient temperatures (19.1 &amp;deg;C), the dryer performed effectively, allowing up to two drying cycles per day. With a payback period of only 1.2 years and nearly nine years of debt-free operation, the system offers a sustainable, low-cost, and practical solution for Kapenta fish preservation in solar-rich regions with limited low-temperature infrastructure.

In 2018, insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) were mass distributed across Madagascar. The bio-efficacy of DawaPlus® 2.0 and PermaNet® 2.0 ITNs was assessed upon arrival and at 12, 24, and 36 months after distribution. Chemical analyses of insecticide residue on ITNs were also conducted. On arrival, mosquito mortality rates observed when exposed to DawaPlus 2.0 (86.4%) and PermaNet 2.0 nets (83.6%) exceeded the WHO's threshold of 80.0%. At 12, 24, and 36 months after distribution, mosquito mortality rates were <56% for all districts. Moreover, the knockdown effect was below the WHO threshold of 95.0% for all districts and at all time points, even for new ITNs. With the exception of the new DawaPlus 2.0, the deltamethrin residue on ITNs was also lower than the expected ranges of 80 mg/m2 ± 25% for DawaPlus 2.0 and 55 mg/m2 ± 25% for PermaNet 2.0; regardless of ITN age, the concentration of deltamethrin was <66 mg/m2 for DawaPlus 2.0 and <36 mg/m2 for PermaNet 2.0 ITNs. According to the manufacturers, ITNs are effective for 36 months; therefore, mass distribution campaigns are organized every 3 years. However, the DawaPlus 2.0 and PermaNet 2.0 ITNs exhibited a loss of bio-efficacy within 1 year of distribution. This bio-efficacy loss could be due to a manufacturing problem, poor storage and transportation conditions, or poor use and net care practices in Madagascar. Understanding and correcting the root causes of this issue is critical for guiding corrective actions, such as improving manufacturing processes, replacing ITNs more frequently, and increasing education on ITN care.

Indoor residual insecticide spraying and the distribution of insecticide-treated nets have undoubtedly led to a significant reduction in the global malaria burden. However, insecticide resistance poses a threat to the effectiveness of these recommended control methods. In the present study, the aim was to determine the efficacy of SumiShield® 50WG (Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd., Tokyo, Japan), an insecticide containing clothianidin, a neonicotinoid, in controlling malaria vectors in Madagascar. The study was conducted over 9 months after the initial spraying in experimental huts made with walls coated using different substrates, and both wild anopheline mosquitoes and an Anopheles arabiensis (An. arabiensis) insecticide-susceptible laboratory strain were used. Mortality in wild mosquitoes remained above the WHO threshold of 80.0% for up to 8 months post-spray, when assessed up to 96 hours after capture, depending on the type of wall surface. SumiShield 50WG did not induce exophily or inhibit blood-feeding in wild mosquitoes because no significant differences were observed between treated and control huts regarding the rates of exophily and blood-fed mosquitoes. In An. arabiensis, the WHO mortality threshold was also met for up to 8 months post-spray when assessed up to 96 hours after exposure. However, during the ninth month, this threshold was not achieved, even when mortality was assessed up to 120 hours after exposure. The residual efficacy of the formulation, which lasts up to 8 months, is sufficient to cover the malaria transmission season in most endemic areas of Madagascar.

BackgroundIn Zanzibar, malaria epidemiology has changed within the past 10 years, from focal, near-elimination transmission to recurrent and more widespread outbreaks. The observed changes culminated in a large-scale epidemic between November 2023 and March 2024 including 23,569 confirmed malaria cases.MethodsThis study investigated the epidemiological characteristics of the 21-week outbreak by characterizing the risk profile of affected individuals, identifying malaria hotspots across space and time, and determining the association between malaria incidence and precipitation and temperature.ResultsMales, individuals aged 15–35, urban residents, and those reporting to not sleep under insecticide-treated nets had a higher malaria risk. One significant space–time cluster was identified in the urban southwest of Unguja. The weekly number of malaria cases was significantly associated with the average weekly temperature, with an 8-week lag time.ConclusionsThe results indicate a serious setback in the pursuit of malaria elimination in Zanzibar and call for intensified malaria interventions targeting high-risk populations.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12936-025-05507-2.