Costs and cost-effectiveness analysis of larval source management and house improvement when added to standard vector control strategies in a rural setting in Malawi with high malaria transmission and seasonal variation

Malaria is endemic in sub-Saharan Africa. It is caused by plasmodium, a parasite transmitted by bites from female mosquitoes. Currently, malaria control and transmission reduction relies on a combination of interventions including treatment of people with malaria, preventive treatment in pregnant women and strategies targeting biting mosquitoes. Mosquito-targeted interventions mainly include insecticides, using long lasting insecticide-treated nets and spraying houses. However, it has been discovered that mosquitoes have learned to survive the harmful effects of these insecticides.

Alternative, non-chemical interventions need to be found including controlling mosquito breeding sites and using screens on houses to stop mosquitoes entering. However, the decision to adopt these alternative interventions will have to be based not only on their effectiveness but also affordability if they are to be adopted in countries with limited resources. I will investigate whether or not an intervention based on controlling mosquito breeding sites and using screens on houses to stop mosquito entry in a rural district in Malawi not only reduces the number of malaria cases in children aged six months to 59 months, but is also affordable and should be considered for adoption.

This grant was awarded under the scheme's previous name of Master's Fellowships in Public Health and Tropical Medicine.