Strategies and approaches to vector control effectiveness toward the elimination of malaria in mainland Tanzania: An implementation case study analysis
9 affiliations
- 1Tanzania National Malaria Control Programme, Ministry of Health, Dodoma, Tanzania.
- 2KCMC University, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.
- 3PMI Tanzania Vector Control Activity, Tropical Health Limited Liability Partnership, Tel Aviv, Israel.
- 4PMI Tanzania Vector Control Activity, Tropical Health Limited Liability Partnership, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America.
- 5Tanzania Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
- 6World Health Organization Tanzania Country Office, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
- 7National Institute for Medical Research, Amani Research Centre, Tanga, Tanzania.
- 8U.S. President's Malaria Initiative, USAID, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
- 9School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Abstract
Effective malaria control and elimination require continuous monitoring of vector control interventions, entomological indicators, and their relationship with malaria case incidence. This implementation case study describes data fragmentation and develops a unified, granular profile of malaria burden and vector control at the district level in mainland Tanzania. By integrating data on malaria burden, vector control interventions, and intervention coverage, the study complements existing stratification approaches and generates actionable insights to inform policy and strategic decision-making on effective interventions at the council level. We extracted monthly council-level malaria incidence data (2018–2022) from DHIS2. Insecticide-treated net (ITN) access was estimated using ITN distribution and population data through a stock-and-flow model, assuming a Tanzania-specific median net lifespan of 2.15 years. Data on indoor residual spraying (IRS) implementation and entomological monitoring reports (2011–2022) were reviewed. Rainfall data were summarized and visualized as overlapping monthly time series. According to the annual vector control report (AVCR) for 2021 and 2022, the mean modeled council-level population access to ITNs was 63.9% in 2021 and 65.2% in 2022. Across 184 councils, 17.4% had low ITN access (<50%), 59.2% had moderate access (51–80%), and 23.4% achieved sufficient access (>80%). Councils with ITN access above 80% consistently reported lower malaria incidence rates, whereas those with access below 50% were generally associated with higher malaria burden. Higher ITN access was associated with lower malaria incidence, underscoring the importance of accurate quantification and timely distribution of insecticide-treated nets. In areas where Anopheles arabiensis predominates, complementary outdoor vector control interventions may be needed to address residual outdoor transmission. District-level vector control profiling can enhance the effectiveness of malaria programmes by supporting evidence-based resource allocation and adaptive intervention strategies.
Related
- Cost and cost-effectiveness of alternative screening and diagnostic pathways for achieving hepatitis C elimination in the country of Georgia
- Effectiveness of the PPR Sungri-96 Vaccine in Sheep and Goats in India: A Nationwide Post-Vaccination Seromonitoring Study Towards PPR Elimination.
- Advances and challenges in avian influenza vaccines: From conventional approaches to next-generation strategies
- Strategies to Manage Missed Appointments in Private Physical Therapy: A National Cross-Sectional Study of Use and Perceived Effectiveness
- Knowledge, attitudes, and preventive behaviors toward rabies among urban residents in Bangkok, Thailand: Implications for targeted One Health rabies elimination strategies.
BibTeX
@article{gitanya2026strategies,
title = {{Strategies and approaches to vector control effectiveness toward the elimination of malaria in mainland Tanzania: An implementation case study analysis}},
author = {Mponeja Peter Gitanya and Matt Worges and Hannah Koenker and Samson Kiware and Samwel Lazaro and Jovin Kitau and William Kisinza and Naomi Serbantez and Benjamin Kamala and Charles Dismas and Johnson Matowo},
journal = {PLOS Global Public Health},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.1371/journal.pgph.0005574},
url = {https://journals.plos.org/globalpublichealth/article?id=10.1371/journal.pgph.0005574},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Strategies and approaches to vector control effectiveness toward the elimination of malaria in mainland Tanzania: An implementation case study analysis
AU - Mponeja Peter Gitanya
AU - Matt Worges
AU - Hannah Koenker
AU - Samson Kiware
AU - Samwel Lazaro
AU - Jovin Kitau
AU - William Kisinza
AU - Naomi Serbantez
AU - Benjamin Kamala
AU - Charles Dismas
AU - Johnson Matowo
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/22
JO - PLOS Global Public Health
DO - 10.1371/journal.pgph.0005574
UR - https://journals.plos.org/globalpublichealth/article?id=10.1371/journal.pgph.0005574
AB - Effective malaria control and elimination require continuous monitoring of vector control interventions, entomological indicators, and their relationship with malaria case incidence. This implementation case study describes data fragmentation and develops a unified, granular profile of malaria burden and vector control at the district level in mainland Tanzania. By integrating data on malaria burden, vector control interventions, and intervention coverage, the study complements existing stratification approaches and generates actionable insights to inform policy and strategic decision-making on effective interventions at the council level. We extracted monthly council-level malaria incidence data (2018–2022) from DHIS2. Insecticide-treated net (ITN) access was estimated using ITN distribution and population data through a stock-and-flow model, assuming a Tanzania-specific median net lifespan of 2.15 years. Data on indoor residual spraying (IRS) implementation and entomological monitoring reports (2011–2022) were reviewed. Rainfall data were summarized and visualized as overlapping monthly time series. According to the annual vector control report (AVCR) for 2021 and 2022, the mean modeled council-level population access to ITNs was 63.9% in 2021 and 65.2% in 2022. Across 184 councils, 17.4% had low ITN access (<50%), 59.2% had moderate access (51–80%), and 23.4% achieved sufficient access (>80%). Councils with ITN access above 80% consistently reported lower malaria incidence rates, whereas those with access below 50% were generally associated with higher malaria burden. Higher ITN access was associated with lower malaria incidence, underscoring the importance of accurate quantification and timely distribution of insecticide-treated nets. In areas where Anopheles arabiensis predominates, complementary outdoor vector control interventions may be needed to address residual outdoor transmission. District-level vector control profiling can enhance the effectiveness of malaria programmes by supporting evidence-based resource allocation and adaptive intervention strategies.
SN - 2767-3375
ER -