Scientific Publication

Is there a correlation between malaria incidence and IRS coverage in western Zambezi region, Namibia?

author(s) Mumbengegwi, D.R.. - Sturrock, H. - Hsiang, M. - Roberts, K.
from UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
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themes
regions
  • Northern Europe
  • Europe
  • World
  • Southern Africa
  • Sub-Saharan Africa
  • Africa
citation

Mumbengegwi DR, Sturrock H, Hsiang M, Roberts K, Kleinschmidt I, Nghipumbwa M, Uusiku P, Smith J, Bennet A, Kizito W, Takarinda K, Ade S, Gosling R. Is there a correlation between malaria incidence and IRS coverage in western Zambezi region, Namibia? Public Health Action (Internet). 2018 Apr 25 (cited 2018 Jun 25);8(1):44–9. Available from: http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/10.5588/pha.17.0077

Publications and datasets provided via GARDIAN

Abstract

Setting A comparison of routine Namibia National Malaria Programme data (reported) vs. household survey data (administrative) on indoor residual spraying (IRS) in western Zambezi region, Namibia, for the 2014–2015 malaria season. Objectives To determine 1) IRS coverage and 2) its effect on malaria incidence, and 3) reasons for non-uptake of IRS in western Zambezi region, Namibia, for the 2014–2015 malaria season. Design This was a descriptive study. Results: IRS coverage in western Zambezi region was low, ranging from 42.3% to 52.2% for administrative coverage vs. 45.9–66.7% for reported coverage. There was no significant correlation between IRS coverage and malaria incidence for this region (r = –0.45, P = 0.22). The main reasons for households not being sprayed were that residents were not at home during spraying times or that spray operators did not visit the households. Conclusions IRS coverage in western Zambezi region, Namibia, was low during the 2014–2015 malaria season because of poor community engagement and awareness of times for spray operations within communities. Higher IRS coverage could be achieved through improved community engagement. Better targeting of the highest risk areas by the use of malaria surveillance will be required to mitigate malaria transmission. This research was supported by the UK Department for International Development’s Operational Research Capacity Building Programme led by the International Union Against TB and Lung Disease (The Union)

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