Enhancing malaria control using a computerised management system in southern Africa

Abstract Background Malaria control programmes utilising indoor residual spraying are only effective if a high coverage of targeted structures is achieved and an insecticide that is effective against the specific mosquito vector is correctly applied. Ongoing monitoring of spraying operations is esse...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Malaria Journal
Main Authors: la Grange Jacobus J, Manjate Bonifacio, Martin Carrin L, Sharp Brian L, Booman Marlize, Durrheim David N
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: BMC 2003
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-2875-2-13
https://doaj.org/article/4fe71695e3034547b08849db7333e020
Description
Summary:Abstract Background Malaria control programmes utilising indoor residual spraying are only effective if a high coverage of targeted structures is achieved and an insecticide that is effective against the specific mosquito vector is correctly applied. Ongoing monitoring of spraying operations is essential to assure optimal programme performance and early corrective action, where indicated. Methods Successful development and application of a computerised spraying operations management system in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa during 1998 resulted in its adaptation and introduction in neighbouring Maputo Province, southern Mozambique during 2000. The structure and components of this computerised management system are described, and its' operational benefit in southern Mozambique, where community-based spray operators apply intradomiciliary insecticide, are reviewed. Conclusions The computerised management system allowed malaria programme management and field supervisors to monitor spraying coverage, insecticide consumption and application rates on an ongoing basis. The system supported a successful transition to community-based spraying, while assuring correct insecticide application and spraying completion according to schedule.