Supplementary Files
Keywords
possession
condition
use mosquito nets
malaria
Bolivia
How to Cite
Abstract
Introduction
In Bolivia, malaria is caused by Plasmodium vivax (85%) and Plasmodium falciparum (15%), the highest level of transmission is in the north on the border with Brazil. In this area the NGO Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is implementing a project for the prevention and control of malaria through voluntary workers. These workers carry out rapid diagnostic tests, provide chloroquine-primaquine treatment for P. vivax malaria and a combined treatment for malaria caused by P. falciparum, as well as undertaking free mass distribution of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs). The present study aimed to establish the level of distribution, possession, condition of LLINs, as well as their use the previous night.
Material and Methods
The study was conducted in Pando and La Paz, in 4 municipalities and 24 communities, visiting 193 families with 814 members, between March and May 2012. The voluntary workers visited the homes and undertook surveys and physical inspection of the LLINs.
Results
The distribution coverage reached 86%, with a ratio of 2.5 LLINs per family. Of all families, 74% had at least one LLIN and 65% maintained them. The ratio LLIN/per person was 0.38; 55% of the LLINS had holes of different sizes, while the percentage of use the previous night was 54 %.
Discussion
The differences between coverage, possession and use the previous night show that educational activities should be strengthened, as 55% of the LLINs already had holes. Use among the general population and children under 5 years was very similar, at 53% and 54% respectively.The current level of ownership and physical condition of the cloth should be used for future replenishment activities. The free mass distribution activities (Catch-Up), the establishment of a routine access in the long term (Keep-Up) and continuing education activities in the hanging of the LLINs (Hang-Up) are important for the prevention of malaria.
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