11. Integrated vector management for control, elimination and prevention-of-reintroduction of malaria in Sri Lanka: a historical review

Henk Van Den Berg*, Gamini Manuweera, Manonath Marasinghe

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

A review of malaria vector control in Sri Lanka was conducted to understand how the country successfully transitioned from control of malaria to elimination over the past century, and how vector control is being used to prevent the reintroduction of malaria. The case study is expected to provide examples and lessons learnt to other programmes or countries. Malaria vector control in Sri Lanka has faced major challenges of sudden and unstable transmission, insecticide resistance, movements of settlers and refugees, and programme fatigue. Early on, the importance of vector ecology and environmental factors in malaria epidemics was recognised, and in response, vigilance units were set up at periphery level. After intense indoor residual spraying campaigns with DDT (1950s and 1960s) and, subsequently, malathion failed to end malaria (1970s), pesticide policy was developed in the 1980s, and a routine system of monitoring of insecticide resistance was incorporated into the malaria control programme. This system was the basis for a proactive scheme of rotation and mosaics of insecticide applications to manage resistance. Entomological and epidemiological surveillance data were used to stratify malaria incidence, identify high-risk groups or locations, and plan appropriate interventions, including larval vector control. The programme adapted to changing epidemiological circumstances. After Sri Lanka was certified malaria-free in 2016, the system of surveillance and control was reoriented, with malaria risk mapping providing the basis for decisions on proactive vector control in receptive and vulnerable locations. The vector control programme has been disease-specific, but in recent decades the entomological expertise has regularly been shared with the dengue control programme, which is an example of integrated vector management. Further coordination on vector surveillance and control between programmes will be vital to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and financial sustainability of operations.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationInnovative strategies for vector control
Subtitle of host publicationProgress in the global vector control response
EditorsC.J.M. Koenraadt, J. Spitzen, W. Takken
PublisherWageningen Academic Publishers
Chapter11
Pages199-218
ISBN (Electronic)9789086868957
ISBN (Print)9789086863440
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 18 Feb 2021

Publication series

NameInnovative strategies for vector control
Volume6
ISSN (Print)1875-0699

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of '11. Integrated vector management for control, elimination and prevention-of-reintroduction of malaria in Sri Lanka: a historical review'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this