Addressing key gaps in implementation of mosquito larviciding to accelerate malaria vector control in southern Tanzania: results of a stakeholder engagement process in local district councils

Autor: Javier Lezaun, Nicola Christofides, Marceline F. Finda, Fredros O. Okumu, Salum A. Mapua, Frédéric Tripet, Betwel J. Msugupakulya, Ismail H. Nambunga, Prosper P Chaki, Ann H. Kelly, Kusirye Ukio
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2021
Předmět:
medicine.medical_specialty
Mosquito Control
lcsh:Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine
Public perception
Malaria control
lcsh:RC955-962
030231 tropical medicine
Indoor residual spraying
Stakeholder engagement
Malaria elimination
Mosquito Vectors
Tanzania
lcsh:Infectious and parasitic diseases
03 medical and health sciences
0302 clinical medicine
Stakeholders
Stakeholder Participation
Anopheles
parasitic diseases
medicine
Animals
lcsh:RC109-216
030212 general & internal medicine
Public engagement
Socioeconomics
Government
Local Government
biology
Descriptive statistics
Larviciding
Research
Public health
QH
1. No poverty
Correction
biology.organism_classification
medicine.disease
Malaria
3. Good health
Infectious Diseases
Geography
Larva
Ifakara Health Institute
Biolarvicides
Parasitology
Larval source management
Zdroj: Malaria Journal, Vol 20, Iss 1, Pp 1-14 (2021)
Malaria Journal
ISSN: 1475-2875
Popis: Background Larval source management was historically one of the most effective malaria control methods but is now widely deprioritized in Africa, where insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS) are preferred. However, in Tanzania, following initial successes in urban Dar-es-Salaam starting early-2000s, the government now encourages larviciding in both rural and urban councils nationwide to complement other efforts; and a biolarvicide production-plant has been established outside the commercial capital. This study investigated key obstacles and opportunities relevant to effective rollout of larviciding for malaria control, with a focus on the meso-endemic region of Morogoro, southern Tanzania. Methods Key-informants were interviewed to assess awareness and perceptions regarding larviciding among designated health officials (malaria focal persons, vector surveillance officers and ward health officers) in nine administrative councils (n = 27). Interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to assess awareness and perceptions of community members in selected areas regarding larviciding (n = 490). Thematic content analysis was done and descriptive statistics used to summarize the findings. Results A majority of malaria control officials had participated in larviciding at least once over the previous three years. A majority of community members had neutral perceptions towards positive aspects of larviciding, but overall support for larviciding was high, although several challenges were expressed, notably: (i) insufficient knowledge for identifying relevant aquatic habitats of malaria vectors and applying larvicides, (ii) inadequate monitoring of programme effectiveness, (iii) limited financing, and (iv) lack of personal protective equipment. Although the key-informants reported sensitizing local communities, most community members were still unaware of larviciding and its potential. Conclusions The larviciding programme was widely supported by both communities and malaria control officials, but there were gaps in technical knowledge, implementation and public engagement. To improve overall impact, it is important to: (i) intensify training efforts, particularly for identifying habitats of important vectors, (ii) adopt standard technical principles for applying larvicides or larval source management, (iii) improve financing for local implementation and (iv) improve public engagement to boost community awareness and participation. These lessons could also be valuable for other malaria endemic areas wishing to deploy larviciding for malaria control or elimination.
Databáze: OpenAIRE
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