Scientists at Ifakara Health Institute have underscored the need to address the complex challenge of managing malaria while addressing the daily needs of rural communities in southeastern Tanzania.  

In a recent study published on the Malaria Journal, they underscore the importance of community-driven, adaptable strategies for malaria control, particularly through Larval Source Management (LSM) – a method that targets mosquito breeding sites to reduce mosquito larvae and pupae populations.

The scientists also emphasize the need to involve local communities in planning and implementing mosquito control measures, educating them on the safety and effectiveness of these strategies, and tailoring interventions to align with local socio-economic and environmental realities. The approach could significantly reduce mosquito populations while safeguarding community livelihoods.

Community needs vs. Vector control
Conducted in Ulanga and Malinyi districts, the study explored the dual role of aquatic habitats as both essential water sources for communities and breeding grounds for Anopheles funestus, the dominant malaria vector in the region. 

The scientists surveyed 931 aquatic habitats across three villages, finding mosquito larvae in 73% of them, with funestus larvae present in 23%. Alarmingly, 90% of these habitats were also used by communities, including 95% of those with An. funestus larvae, for activities such as domestic chores, agriculture, livestock rearing, brickmaking, and fishing.

Community preferences and concerns
The study revealed strong community awareness of malaria transmission, with residents demonstrating a clear understanding of the mosquito life cycle and the connection between aquatic habitats and malaria risk.

Among the strategies explored, there was a significant willingness among community members to adopt LSM practices, particularly larviciding (the use of larvicides to eliminate mosquito larvae) and habitat modification (altering breeding sites to make them unsuitable for mosquitoes). However, the complete removal of water sources was less favored due to their importance to livelihoods.

Following focus group discussions about the safety of larvicides for humans, animals, and aquatic ecosystem's environmental impact, community members expressed concerns regarding their potential impact.

To address these concerns, the researchers recommended the importance of raising awareness about the health benefits of LSM and ensuring that strategies are tailored to community needs, are environmentally friendly, and minimize disruptions to livelihoods.

Creating a “win-win” scenario
The study concludes that integrating LSM with broader development initiatives, such as improving water infrastructure, could create a “win-win” scenario. This dual approach would support sustainable malaria control while enhancing community well-being and resilience.

The researchers stressed that effective LSM strategies must, align with local socio-economic realities, be culturally and environmentally sensitive, engage communities in the design and implementation process and educate residents on the safety and efficacy of interventions.

“These findings emphasize the importance of community engagement and the need for LSM strategies to be both culturally and environmentally sensitive to achieve community acceptance and sustainability,” the scientists noted.

“Ultimately, vector control approaches should be designed in a holistic manner, ensuring to integrate the needs, perspectives, and daily lives of the communities it aims to protect,” they concluded.

Ifakara scientists involved in the study
The study was conducted by scientists from the Ifakara Health Institute, with Najat Kahamba serving as lead author under the supervision of Heather Ferguson, Francesco Baldini, Fredros Okumu, and Marceline Finda. 

Other contributors included Felista Tarimo, Khamisi Kifungo, Winifrida Mponzi, Siaba Kinunda, Alfred Simfukwe, Salum Mapua, and Betwel Msugupakulya.

Read the publication here.