[Population's behaviour and expectations concerning malaria control in Ouidah, Benin, April 2006)]

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Tropical Medicine
• Malariology

Background:

• Malaria remains a significant public health challenge, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.
• The Roll Back Malaria initiative aims to reduce malaria burden through various interventions.
• Insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) are a key vector control method recommended by the World Health Organization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the implementation and impact of Roll Back Malaria programs in Ouidah, Benin.
• To assess the availability, usage, and cost of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs).
• To determine malaria morbidity rates and treatment adherence among children under five.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study conducted in Ouidah, Benin, in April 2006.
• Data collection on household availability and usage of ITNs, reasons for use, and associated costs.
• Assessment of malaria morbidity in children under five and treatment practices according to national protocols.

Main Results:

• ITNs were available in 25.6% of households and used by 21.2% of children under five and 26.7% of pregnant women.
• Primary motivations for ITN use included protection from mosquitoes (74%) and malaria prevention (51%).
• Malaria morbidity was high (48%) in children under five, with only 1% receiving correct treatment per national guidelines.

Conclusions:

• The implementation of Roll Back Malaria strategies, particularly ITN distribution and usage, requires enhancement in Benin.
• High household expectations focus on free ITN provision, reduced costs, improved availability, and free malaria treatment.
• Urgent interventions are needed to increase ITN coverage, improve treatment adherence, and reduce the malaria burden in vulnerable populations.