MALARIA CONSORTIUM UK - UGANDA

The impact of longlasting insecticidal net usage on malaria and lymphatic filariasis in an area co-endemic for both diseases.

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a vector-borne disease endemic to a large to a large area of Uganda. Control activities are limited to annual mass drug administration (MDA) with Ivermectin and Albendazole in affected districts. This drug-based control has limited impact unless complemented by vector control. Such an intervention that has been effective elsewhere in Africa is the use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs). In Uganda, the use of ITNs for LF prevention would also seem appropriate, but funds for LF-specific vector control are not available. at the same time, ITNs are being rolled out as part of the National Malaria Control Strategy, though it is unknown how effective this intervention is in the given cultural and epidemiological context. This study was aimed at strengthening the evidence-base for integrated vector control, by establishing the effectiveness of ITNs against both diseases (malaria and LF) in areas where these are coendemic. The specific objectives of the study are to establish the effectiveness if ITNs in protecting users from LF and malaria infections and to determine its effect on LF transmission over 2 years time. This study has been initiated in collaboration with Vector control department and MoH.