Time and again, the World Health Organisation keeps issuing reports highlighting its global efforts to control and eliminate malaria. The director of WHO’s Global Malaria Programme, Dr. Pedro Alonso in his recent letter paved the way for a new policy in order to prevent Malaria. Source
The new policy puts emphasis on various vector control tools and technologies as a core prevention method. It includes,
A net treated with an insecticide can reduce the contact between mosquitoes and humans. Sleeping under this net creates a protective shield around you because it is not just a physical barrier but also has an insecticidal effect. Such nets need to be made more accessible to the communities. Current WHO-recommended LLINs contain pyrethyroid insecticides only. They last for a minimum lifespan of 20 standard washes or 3 years of usage.
This method involves spraying an effective dose of insecticide with a long residual activity. It should be typically done once or twice a year as per requirement. Mosquitoes usually rest on walls and ceilings after biting and thus, the insecticide should be sprayed on these areas.
However, both these methods are time-consuming and need to be implemented with care.
A variety of mosquito repellents can be tried out to prevent their contact with our body and thus, prevent the spread of malaria.
Fun fact: It is available in two fragrances – bubblegum and citrus.
Insect repellents are essential public health tools for the prevention of vector-borne infectious diseases. Technically, an insect repellent is any substance, natural or synthetic, that keeps away insects or other arthropods from the source of repellent. Know how to use mosquito repellents to prevent mosquito-borne diseases here.