Background: Investment in malaria control has dramatically reduced transmission. An estimated 663 million cases have been averted worldwide between 2000 and 2015, with 68% attributed to insecticide-treated nets. In recent years, prevention in Eritrea has primarily relied on two main methods of intervention: mass distribution of Long-Lasting Insecticide Nets (LLINs) and Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) in specific areas prone to epidemics. These are complemented by other supporting strategies like larval source management (LSM). While LLINs remain the primary prevention strategy in the study area, the durability of nets distributed at different times has not been comprehensively assessed for their impact on: 1) survival rate, 2) fabric integrity, and 3) insecticidal activity. So, this study was designed to address whether the nets distributed have been durable for three years under operational conditions.
Background: Investment in malaria control has dramatically reduced transmission. An estimated 663 million cases have been averted worldwide between 2000 and 2015, with 68% attributed to insecticide-treated nets. In recent years, prevention in Eritrea has primarily relied on two main methods of intervention: mass distribution of Long-Lasting Insecticide Nets (LLINs) and Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) in specific areas prone to epidemics. These are complemented by other supporting strategies like larval source management (LSM). While LLINs remain the primary prevention strategy in the study area, the durability of nets distributed at different times has not been comprehensively assessed for their impact on: 1) survival rate, 2) fabric integrity, and 3) insecticidal activity. So, this study was designed to address whether the nets distributed have been durable for three years under operational conditions.