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Vector control in a malaria epidemic occurring within a complex emergency situation in Burundi: a case study
Natacha Protopopoff1, Michel Van Herp, Peter Maes
1Department of Parasitology, Prince Leopold Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium. nprotopopoff@itg.be
Malaria Journal
|July 20, 2007
Summary
Vector control interventions in Burundi reduced malaria vectors but had limited impact on epidemic prevalence. The study highlighted feasibility and preparedness for future malaria control in complex emergencies.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Tropical Medicine
- Epidemiology
Background:
- African highlands face severe malaria epidemics, exacerbated by complex emergencies.
- Burundi experienced a major malaria outbreak in 2000 amidst civil unrest and nutritional crisis.
- Limited treatment options and suspected drug resistance prompted vector control implementation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on vector control strategies implemented during a malaria epidemic in Burundi.
- To evaluate the impact of these interventions on malaria vectors and prevalence.
- To document lessons learned for controlling malaria in complex emergency settings.
Main Methods:
- Vector control involved indoor residual spraying with deltamethrin and distribution of insecticide-treated nets.
- Interventions covered 29 hills, with impact assessed via entomological and parasitological surveys.
- High house spraying coverage (99%) was achieved, with net usage ranging from 48% to 63%.
Main Results:
- Indoor resting density of Anopheles mosquitoes was significantly reduced in treated areas compared to controls.
- Malaria prevalence did not significantly decrease in treated hills overall.
- A significant reduction in malaria prevalence was observed only among individuals sleeping under insecticide-treated nets.
Conclusions:
- Indoor residual spraying was logistically feasible in the challenging Burundian context, achieving high coverage.
- Vector control had minimal impact on the malaria epidemic, likely due to late implementation.
- The experience improved surveillance, drug policies, and preparedness for future malaria epidemic prevention.
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