How can we effectively control malaria if we overlook one of its most proven strategies? Experts are calling for increased investment in Larval Source Management (LSM) as a crucial yet underutilized strategy for malaria control in Africa.

Despite its long history and demonstrated successes, LSM – a mosquito control method that targets larvae before they become adult mosquitoes – is often sidelined due to funding limitations and challenges in locating and treating mosquito breeding sites.

Global collaboration to strengthen LSM strategies
In a recently published letter in Parasites & Vectors, the group of experts presented recommendations from a global, cross-disciplinary collaboration. These insights stem from expert discussions, a narrative review of countries that have successfully eliminated malaria, and a mathematical modeling exercise using two different approaches.

Among the contributors were scientists from the Ifakara Health Institute, with Fredros Okumu serving as the Lead Investigator. Additional experts from Africa, Europe, North America, and Asia also contributed. 

Their efforts resulted in seven key recommendations aimed at strengthening LSM as a strategy for controlling malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases in Africa.

The need for increased funding, structural support
To maximize LSM’s potential, the authors underline the need for increased financial investment and administration structural support within the public health systems.

They urge that governments and global health organizations must invest in training, employing, and deploying local workforce to carry out LSM interventions effectively in scientifically driven and ecologically sensitive ways.

WHO recognition as a key step toward implementation
Additionally, the experts advocate for the World Health Organization (WHO) to formally recognize LSM in its guidelines as a core malaria control strategy, which would enable countries to secure funding and implement context-specific LSM programs.

“The stagnation of progress in the control of malaria and other vector-borne diseases necessitates the re-evaluation and scaling up of LSM as a key component of integrated vector control strategies, particularly in Africa. LSM has proven historical success, and recent technological advancements improve its feasibility in future efforts,” the experts emphasize.

They further stress remarking, “An update of LSM guidelines is needed to capture the existing high-quality operational evidence and to recognize the advantages provided through advanced technologies and our growing understanding of disease vector bionomics.”

Understanding Larval Source Management (LSM)
LSM is a mosquito control method that targets larvae before they become adult mosquitoes. It involves larviciding—the application of chemicals to kill larvae—and environmental management, such as draining stagnant water bodies where mosquitoes breed. 

Unlike insecticide-treated nets and indoor residual spraying, which target adult mosquitoes, LSM provides a long-term solution by disrupting the mosquito life cycle at its earliest stage.

Prioritizing LSM in malaria control policies
By recognizing and funding LSM alongside existing strategies, global health leaders can make meaningful progress toward reducing malaria cases and ultimately eliminating the disease. 

Ultimately, the letter urges the global health community to reconsider how evidence and funding shape malaria control policies, ensuring that promising interventions like LSM receive the attention and investment they deserve.

Read the publication here.