Malaria : prevention vector control ( WHO guide )

In the context of infectious diseases, a "vector" refers to any organism that transmits an infectious pathogen from one host to another. In the case of malaria, the primary vectors are female Anopheles mosquitoes, which carry and transmit the Plasmodium parasite responsible for the disease. These mosquitoes become infected by feeding on the blood of a person who has malaria and can then transmit the infection to other individuals through subsequent bites.

Main Messaging by WHO on Vector Prevention:

The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes a comprehensive approach to malaria prevention primarily through effective vector control strategies. This encompasses a range of tactics designed to reduce mosquito populations and minimize human-mosquito contact, thereby lowering the incidence of malaria transmission. The key strategies include:

1. Use of Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs): ITNs are among the most effective methods for preventing malaria transmission. They not only physically block mosquitoes from biting individuals but are also treated with insecticides that kill mosquitoes upon contact. This dual action makes ITNs a cornerstone of malaria prevention, especially in areas with high transmission rates.
   
   

2. Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS): IRS involves the application of insecticides to the interior walls of homes and other buildings. Mosquitoes that land...