Integrated vector management for malaria control: a review of approaches and effectiveness

Integrated vector management (IVM) is an effective strategy for reducing malaria transmission by combining various malaria vector control methods tailored to local contexts. The Web of Science, PubMed and Google/Google Scholar databases were used to gather studies related to IVM-based malaria control. This review synthesized findings from 14 studies published between 2009 and 2024 evaluating the impact of IVM on malaria control across different regions worldwide. The studies employed observational, quasi-experimental and cluster-randomized controlled trial designs, with outcome measures including malaria incidence, vector density, parasite prevalence, entomological inoculation rate and human biting rates. Integrated strategies consistently demonstrated greater effectiveness than single interventions, with six studies reporting statistically significant reductions in transmission (p<0.05) and several documenting notable declines in morbidity, mortality and entomological indicators. Longitudinal studies from Uganda, Ethiopia and Nigeria showed sustained reductions in malaria cases and vector populations, while large-scale programs in China and India illustrated the long-term success of coordinated, multisectoral IVM efforts. Emerging tools such as attractive targeted sugar baits, genetically modified mosquitoes and green-synthesized metallic nanoparticles offer more environmentally sustainable options. Combining traditional and innovative methods, IVM potentially provides a sustainable global malaria control and eradication solution.