Health experts emphasize the importance of vector control in the fight against malaria, a disease primarily spread by mosquitoes.
They stress the need for effective strategies to control vectors and ultimately eliminate malaria in Nigeria.
The experts urge the government to prioritize protecting individuals in high-risk areas with long-lasting insecticide-treated nets.
Different interventions may be needed depending on the mosquito species and environmental factors that influence their ability to transmit malaria parasites and respond to control measures.
The World Health Organisation reports that Nigeria faces a significant malaria burden, with millions of cases and thousands of deaths each year. Certain populations, such as infants, young children, pregnant women, travellers, and individuals with conditions like HIV or AIDS, are particularly vulnerable to severe malaria infections.
The country accounts for a substantial portion of the global malaria burden, with transmission occurring year-round and primarily affecting northern and northeastern regions.
Health professionals recommend two main vector control measures for malaria prevention: long-lasting insecticidal nets and indoor residual spraying.
These interventions provide protection against mosquitoes and reduce the risk of malaria transmission, especially in high-risk areas.
By utilizing insecticide-treated nets and applying insecticides to indoor surfaces where mosquitoes rest, efforts can be made to effectively control malaria vectors and reduce disease transmission.
The infectious disease expert explained, “This method targets mosquitoes directly and reduces the likelihood of mosquito bites and disease transmission within households. The national malaria programmes must ensure that individuals residing in high-risk areas are adequately protected.
“This involves not only providing the insecticide-treated nets but also ensuring their correct and consistent use. Regular replacement of these nets is crucial to maintaining their efficacy over time.
“In addition, indoor residual spraying should be considered where nets alone might not be sufficient. It is essential to note that indoor residual spraying should not be used merely as a fallback for inadequate implementation of the nets.
“Instead, the use of IRS should be based on specific local conditions and data, such as the prevalence of insecticide resistance and the effectiveness of existing measures.”
He emphasized the importance of using different classes of insecticides for Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) and Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) to prevent mosquito resistance.
This approach maintains the effectiveness of both interventions and reduces the risk of resistance.
Additionally, Dr. Chidumeje Okafor, a family health physician, highlighted the importance of supplementary vector control methods, such as larval source management, which eliminates mosquito breeding sites.
This method can complement LLINs and IRS by reducing the overall mosquito population and malaria transmission risk, particularly in environments where mosquitoes breed in stagnant water.
“Ultimately, the success of vector control efforts depends on the integration of various strategies and their adaptation to local conditions.
“Ongoing monitoring and evaluation are crucial to assess the effectiveness of interventions and to make necessary adjustments based on emerging data.
“By focusing on evidence-based approaches and leveraging local knowledge, malaria programmes can enhance their vector control efforts and make significant strides towards reducing the burden of malaria in Nigeria and the entire world,” he noted.
