Malaria

Malaria vector control in South Africa

B Brooke, L Koekemoer, P Kruger, J Urbach, E Misiani, M Coetzee

Abstract


Malaria vector control is primarily insecticide based and relies on indoor residual spraying (IRS) and the distribution of long-lasting insecticide-treated bednets (LLINs). These interventions have generally proved effective where appropriately implemented. However, the increasing incidence of insecticide resistance in target vector populations can, and in several cases already has, undermined the effectiveness of IRS and LLINs. Today there are very few localities on the African continent where populations of vector mosquitoes are still susceptible to the approved classes of insecticides. If elimination is to be achieved, SA needs to invest more resources into malaria control. 


Authors' affiliations

B Brooke, Vector Control Reference Laboratory, Centre for Opportunistic, Tropical and Hospital Infections, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa; Wits Research Institute for Malaria, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

L Koekemoer, Vector Control Reference Laboratory, Centre for Opportunistic, Tropical and Hospital Infections, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa; Wits Research Institute for Malaria, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

P Kruger, Malaria Control Programme, Polokwane, Limpopo Province, South Africa

J Urbach, Africa Fighting Malaria, Durban, South Africa

E Misiani, Malaria Directorate, National Department of Health, Pretoria, South Africa

M Coetzee, Vector Control Reference Laboratory, Centre for Opportunistic, Tropical and Hospital Infections, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa; Wits Research Institute for Malaria, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

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Keywords

epidemiology; malaria; vector control; indoor residual spraying; Malaria Control Programme

Cite this article

South African Medical Journal 2013;103(10):784-788. DOI:10.7196/SAMJ.7447

Article History

Date submitted: 2013-08-29
Date published: 2013-08-29

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