Vector control interventions towards elimination of malaria in 4 selected counties, Kenya, 2023

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of the present study was to assess the capacity to implement malaria vector control interventions in four  counties, in Kenya, earmarked for elimination.

Design: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study design that used routinely collected  malaria program data using a tool adopted by National Malaria Control Program and modified to fit the country’s context, District-Level  Readiness for Elimination of Malaria Tool.

Setting: All the sub-counties constituting the four counties (Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, Laikipia and  Nyeri).

Subjects: County and sub county health management teams.

Intervention: Implementation of vector control strategies targeted  for malaria elimination in the four study counties.

Main outcome measures: County and sub-county health management teams’ readiness to deploy vector control strategies in the four study counties.

Results: Out of 21 sub-counties, 11(52%) implemented vector  control interventions for malaria vector control. Kirinyaga County implemented malaria vector control strategies: proactive indoor  residual spraying, mass net distribution campaign, continuous or targeted distribution of insecticide treated nets in 3 sub-counties and  larval source management in two sub-counties. Five of 11 (45%) sub-counties conducted mapping of vector breeding habitats and 1(4.8%) conducted malaria vector entomological surveillance.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the four counties targeted for malaria  elimination lacked adequate capacity to implement malaria vector control interventions owing to their having limited resources to  implement malaria vector control interventions. To achieve and maintain malaria elimination in the four counties there is an urgent need  to mobilize adequate resources for conducting malaria vector control interventions.