Malaria Prevention

LONG LASTING INSECTICIDE TREATED NETS (LLINs)

LLINs are an effective means of malaria prevention in stable contexts, where their regular use has been shown to reduce malaria illness by up to 50% in children under 5. LLINs work by killing or repelling nighttime biting mosquitoes that transmit malaria.  The nets are impregnated by insecticides that have been approved by the World Health Organization Pesticide Evaluation Scheme (WHOPES). These LLINs have been shown to last through 20 washes and depending on the living conditions last somewhere in the region of three years before replacement is required.

INDOOR RESIDUAL SPRAYING (IRS)

IRS involves the application of one of 12 WHOPES approved insecticide through spray tanks onto the indoor walls of homes, clinics, schools and other community structures. IRS is a proven and effective tool in malaria control and works by killing blood fed female mosquitoes that rest on the walls. It is effective for varying lengths of time depending on the insecticide and the housing material onto which it is sprayed. The development of new long lasting insecticides are being investigated whose application may last up to twelve (12) months.

INSECTICIDE TREATED PLASTIC SHEETING (ITPS)

ITPS was developed in 2000 in collaboration with partner organizations and shelter agencies to specifically provide high quality shelter material which offers protection from the elements, conforming to UNHCR standards, but also combining the slow release of WHO approved insecticide to both surfaces of the plastic sheeting.

At any one time only a small concentration of insecticide is made available on the surface (a small fraction of that which is made available through IRS). It has been internationally tested for vector control efficacy and safety, the results of which were published in 2004 in peer reviewed journals. ITPS was one recommended component (WHO January 2005) of the Tsunami response for Asia. Apart from just being used in individual shelters, ITPS is also used in the construction of clinics, schools and latrines. This provides community-wide protection against vector-borne diseases.