Table 3 Comparisons in strategies, achievements and challenges between historical and contemporary vector control efforts

Strategies

LSM (simple EM and Larviciding) as main thrust interventions and IRS as supplementary.

Primarily based on IRS and ITNs as frontline tools, supplemented with LSM

Targeted vector control interventions confined to urban areas with limited political will.

Nationwide universal coverage with vector control tools deployed in both rural and urban areas with enhanced political commitment.

Implementation by full time public health workers from the Mines, MoH and Local authorities.

Evidence based implementation by community based resource persons.

Achievements

High coverage of interventions reducing malaria disease to a notifiable level in operational settings

Strong inter-sectoral collaboration between private and public sector with appreciable impact on the disease in both rural and urban areas

Monitored species composition, their relative densities and sporozoite rates in vector populations

Robust entomological monitoring of impact with a rational insecticide resistance management strategy

Full commitment by municipalities with enhanced with the enforcement of strong statutory instruments

Strong monitoring & evaluation and IEC. Geo-coding of structures, efforts to determine the impact of interventions on vectors

Challenges

Confined to urban areas, lack of advocacy and social mobilization.

Lack of utilization of ITNs and abuse. Lack advocacy on supplementary interventions resulting in limitation in their funding.

Weak and limited environmental and personal safeguards

Increased population, coordination at provincial and district levels

Limited entomological monitoring including impact of interventions on vectors

Limited enforcement of statutory instruments, lack of total commitment by municipalities.