As Kenyans joined the rest of the world in marking this year’s World Mosquito Day, we were reminded of the buzzing sound or the flickering pain of getting bitten while enjoying outdoors by some insects.
Though we know them as mosquitoes, they are different and exhibit distinctive characteristics. The type that causes malaria is known as Anopheles and transmits the disease by feeding on human blood and is responsible for the deaths of nearly 500,000 children on the African continent.
This year, our attention is sharply drawn to a new pressing issue — the incursion of Anopheles stephensi, an Asian malaria mosquito, into the Horn of Africa. Its spread is not just an isolated biological concern but a clear reminder of the broader, multi-faceted challenges we face in the war against malaria.
The implications of the Anopheles stephensi spread extend beyond mere statistics. Unlike other species that predominantly target rural areas, this mosquito has shown a predilection for urban areas, signalling a potential intensification of malaria transmission in cities.
Obviously, this calls for the scaling up of the various interventions to eliminate malaria. Kenya has made progress in malaria control through multifaceted approaches, primarily prevention and treatment interventions. These interventions include distribution of long-lasting insecticide-treated bed nets, malaria prevention and treatment in pregnancy, indoor residual spraying, and diagnosis and management of malaria cases.
The choice of methods applied depends on the specific situation, local mosquito species, available resources and environmental considerations. Collaboration between local governments, community members and public health organisations is often necessary for effective mosquito breeding site destruction.
A lot of focus has rightly been placed on mosquito breeding sites as a significant public concern since they contribute not just to the spread of diseases like malaria but others such as dengue, Zika virus and chikungunya.
Therefore, controlling mosquito populations by destroying breeding sites is a crucial aspect of mosquito control. Our cities and towns must also enforce public health rules and regulations so that clogged sewer systems and uncollected rubbish heaps and debris do not facilitate the breeding of mosquitoes.
One successful case study in controlling mosquitoes is the use of drone technology for larviciding, especially in areas with inaccessible large breeding sites. With support from SC Johnson and working with the National Malaria Programme of the Ministry of Health, the End Malaria Council deployed the use of drones in Busia county in western Kenya for killing larvae.
Two cycles of larviciding using drones led to a 96 per cent reduction on the anopheles larva density and is expected to lead to reduced mosquito bites and malaria infection. Currently, the most effective tool to stop the spread of Anopheles stephensi is by spraying the suspected breeding sites using larvicides. It is for this reason that EMC will continue to support the efforts of the National Malaria Programme in conducting larviciding.
There are many other recommended methods of destroying mosquito breeding sites at various levels. These include eliminating stagnant water through emptying containers that can hold water such as buckets, flower pots and old tires, filling or draining low-lying areas where water may collect, cleaning clogged roof gutters and downspouts regularly and properly maintaining swimming pools and covering them when not in use.
Other methods include killing mosquito larvae using chemicals, proper waste management, biological control using natural predators like fish that eat larvae and use of chemicals that interfere with the life cycle of mosquitoes and prevent them from reaching adulthood. In urban planning, there’s need to create proper water flow designs and drainage systems to prevent stagnation.
As we stand on the brink of a potentially escalated threat from Anopheles stephensi, the message is clear: we must marshal our collective strengths, resources and strategies. Let's not just raise awareness; let's ignite collective action. With the new menacing threat of the spread of the Anopheles stephensi, we have to change tack.
Understand the enemy, recognise the challenges, and then join the EMC in our shared vision for a malaria-free Africa by 2030.
Your role in this battle is not just as an observer but as an active stakeholder. Each of us has the power to contribute, to advocate and to drive action. Together, we can ensure that the legacy of Anopheles stephensi is not one of devastation but of unified resistance and triumph. Together, we should and can eradicate this scourge from our midst.
Special adviser, End Malaria Council Kenya
