Yesterday, Dr. Nicodem Govella, Chief Research Scientist at the Ifakara Health Institute, spoke to Azam TV about larviciding (using chemicals that kill mosquito larvae) in the fight against malaria. 

During the interview, Dr. Govella discussed Ifakara’s important research findings from 2004 to 2008, which showed that larviciding — the process of killing mosquito larvae — can reduce malaria transmission by 50-60%.

About the Study

The study focused on how larviciding and window screens help reduce malaria in Dar es Salaam. The study found that as more homes used window screens and larvicides were applied to prevent mosquito larvae from growing into adults, there was a noticeable drop in malaria cases. 

The study focused on how larviciding and window screens help reduce malaria in Dar es Salaam. It also looked at how things like bed nets, antimalarial drugs, and other factors affect malaria risk. The research used surveys and mosquito data over several years to see how these methods worked in different areas and over time.

The reduction was most significant for Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles funestus, the main mosquitoes that spread malaria. The results suggest that simple and affordable measures like these can effectively reduce malaria in urban areas, even in low-income settings. You can read the full paper here.

Dr. Govella stressed that malaria control requires a combined approach. He explained that while larviciding is crucial for reducing mosquito populations, it should be used alongside other preventive measures like insecticide-treated nets, indoor spraying, and improved household structures to ensure more effective malaria control.

About Azam TV

Azam TV is an East African direct broadcast satellite service owned by Bakhresa Group based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Launched in 2013, the service provides audio, radio and television channels services to subscribers, mostly in Tanzania, Malawi, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Uganda and Kenya.

Watch the news segment here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HFAv5dJ-BI