Baseline characterization of entomological drivers of malaria transmission in Namibia: a targeted operational entomological surveillance strategy
Authors: Lukubwe Ophilia , Mwema Tabeth , Joseph Rosalia , Maliti Deodatus , Iitula Iitula , Katokele Stark , Uusiku Petrina , Walusimbi Dennis , Ogoma Sheila B. , Gueye Cara Smith , Vajda Elodie , Tatarsky Allison , Thomsen Edward , Tambo Munya , Mumbengegwi Davis , Lobo Neil F. 
Published: July 2023

Background

Namibia’s focus on the elimination of malaria requires an evidence-based strategy directed at understanding and targeting the entomological drivers of malaria transmission. In 2018 and 2019, the Namibia National Vector-borne Diseases Control Program (NVDCP) implemented baseline entomological surveillance based on a question-based approach outlined in the Entomological Surveillance Planning Tool (ESPT). In the present study, we report on the findings of the ESPT-based NVDCP on baseline vector species composition and bionomic traits in malaria endemic regions in northern Namibia, which has the aim of generating an evidence base for programmatic decision-making.

Methods

Nine representative sentinel sites were included in the 2018 entomological surveillance program (Kunene, Omusati, Oshana, Ohangwena, Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa, Kavango West, Kavango East and Zambezi); the number was reduced to four sites in 2019 due to limited funding (Ohangwena, Kavango West, Kavango East, and Zambezi). In the 2018 baseline collections, multiple sampling methods (human landing catches, pyrethroid spray catches, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention light traps [CDC-LTs], resting boxes [RBs] and larval sampling) were utilized to evaluate indoor/outdoor human biting rates, resting behaviors and insecticide resistance (IR). CDC-LTs and RBs were not used in 2019 due to low and non-representative sampling efficacies.

Results

Overall, molecular evidence demonstrated the presence of three primary mosquito vectors, namelyAnopheles arabiensis, rediscoveredAnopheles gambiaesensu stricto andAnopheles funestussensu stricto, alongsideAnopheles squamosusand members of theAnopheles coustanicomplex. Vectors were found to bite throughout the night (1800 hours 0600 hours) both indoors and outdoors, withAn. arabiensishaving the highest biting rates outdoors. Low numbers of indoor restingAnophelespoint to possible low indoor residual spraying (IRS) efficacy—withAn. arabiensisfound to be the major vector species resting indoors. The IR tests demonstrated varying country-wide resistance levels to the insecticide deltamethrin, with the resistance levels confirmed to have increased in 2019, evidence that impacts national programmatic decision-making. Vectors demonstrated susceptibility to the insecticides dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, bendiocarb and Actellic 300CS in 2018, with mosquitoes from only one site (Kavango West) demonstrating possible resistance to DDT. Targeted and question-based entomological surveillance enabled a rapid and focused evidence base to be built, showing where and when humans were being bitten and providing entomological data on long-lasting insecticidal nets, IRS efficacy and insecticide resistance, which the Ministry of Health and Social Services-Namibia can use to further build a monitoring and evaluation framework for understanding the drivers of transmission.

Conclusion

Identification and characterization of species-specific bionomic traits allows for an understanding of where and when vector human contact may occur as well as the potential impact of interventions. Low indoor resting rates as well as the presence of insecticide resistance (and the increase in its frequency) point to the need for mosquito-behavior-directed and appropriate interventions as well as the requirement for a resistance mitigation strategy. The ESPT-based question- and minimal essential indicator-based operational research strategy provides programs with directed and focused data for facilitating decision-making while requiring limited funding and capacity.

Graphical Abstract