The Vector Control Measures That Won't Last Forever

The use of bed nets and spraying indoor insecticides are key vector control measures in the fight against malaria - but they won't last forever. Transcript The use of bed nets and spraying indoor insecticides are key vector control measures in the fight against malaria. Many malaria-endemic countries, like Uganda, have government schemes to recurringly roll out these interventions. The use of those tools results in a dramatic reduction in malaria transmission: up to 84% fewer cases. But over time, as those tools are rolled out again and again, the impact goes down, ultimately leading to a resurgence. In five regions of North Eastern Uganda, although bed nets and indoor residual spraying were initially effective, seven years after they started to be rolled out, cases went up by 39% compared to the pre-programme baseline. This highlights the importance of surveillance of malaria on the ground. But also the age-old fact that one tool for malaria is never enough. The toolbox always needs to be updated. Source Resurgence of malaria in Uganda despite sustained indoor residual spraying and repeated long lasting insecticidal net distributions About The Podcast The Johns Hopkins Malaria Minute podcast is produced by the Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute to highlight impactful malaria research and to share it with the global community.