Digitalized long-lasting insecticidal nets mass distribution campaign in the context of Covid-19 pandemic in Kongo Central, Democratic Republic of Congo: challenges and lessons learned

• Published in: Malaria Journal
• Main Authors: Joris Losimba Likwela, Phillipe Lukanu Ngwala, Albert Kalonji Ntumba, Deogratias Cibinda Ntale, Eric Mukomena Sompwe, Godé Kanyeba Mpiana, Joseph Kalonji Tshula, Tathy Kalonda Likwela, Patrick Kanku-Ka-Munabe, Adrien N.’siala Kumbi, Gilbert Kulimushi Ndahambara, Helen Cibinda Ntale, Michele Luntadila Kiamenga, Jules Kabongo Njila, Ghislain Makhan Yav, Didier Gasigwa Baneti, Julian Austin
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2022
• Subjects: LLIN Campaign; Covid-19; Digitalization; Lessons; Democratic Republic of Congo; Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine; RC955-962; Infectious and parasitic diseases; RC109-216; Arctic
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12936-022-04258-8; https://doaj.org/article/2309e3105c53452bb8b0657c00e28e7e

Abstract Background The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) organized a first mass distribution campaign of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) with digitalized data management with coordinated support from the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Santé Pour Tous En Milieu Rural—an ‘Association sans but lucratif’ (SANRU Asbl), in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic in Kongo Central province. This article describes the planning and implementation process of this campaign as well as the challenges and lessons learned. Methods The planning and implementation process was performed in line with the standard guidance issued by the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) following the start of Covid-19. The changes and adaptations put in place as well as the challenges encountered are described. Results A total of 5,629,211 people were registered (7.7% above projection) in 1,065,537 households (6.2% below projection) giving an average of 5.3 people per household. Of a total of 3,062,850 LLINs ordered, 2,886,096 were distributed to households (94%). Out of 11,070 villages and 3,947 teams planned, 91.7% of villages were reached and 93% of teams were established. Conclusion The revision of standards of campaign implementation during Covid-19, as well as effective coordination supported by real-time decision-making through digital data management, have been factors in the success of this campaign. Maintaining this momentum is essential to ensure the continuity of malaria prevention services for the population.