Poster Presentation First Malaria World Congress 2018

Experiences of 2016 Mass LLINs distribution Zanzibar (#318)

Mwinyi Issa Khamis 1 , Abdullah S. Ali 1 , Safia M Ali 1 , Naomi Kaspar , Khamis Haji 1
  1. Zanzibar Malaria Elimination Program, Zanzibar, NA, Tanzania, United Republic of

Malaria prevalence in Zanzibar remains very stable at a level of less than 1% (MEEDS 2016) since 2007. Low malaria prevalence is attributed to increased effective use of multiple malaria interventions including long lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs). Distribution of LLINs to the beneficiaries is done through mass or continuous distribution modality in order to increase LLINs ownership and use in the general community. Following the financial and technical support from PMI/USADI, a Malaria Knowledge, Attitude, Practice and Behavior study was conducted in 2014, of which net ownership was 82% while utilization reported to be 60%, below the WHO threshold. One year later, the demographic health survey reported a decrease of LLINs utilization to 57% while the ownership stated around 74%. In principle, LLINs ownership and coverage are in a low profile which may jeopardize the efforts against malaria elimination. In response to address the observed challenge, in July 2016 the Zanzibar Malaria Elimination Programme conducted a joint venture catch-up LLINs distribution campaign supported by PMI, DFID and GFATM. During the campaign a total of 705,000 LLINs were distributed in 11 districts of Zanzibar based on WHO recommendation of one net for two persons living in the same household. Prior to LLINs distribution, delivery mechanisms were designed whereby all targeted household members registered, computerized and audited before issuing LLINs. A household KAPB study is expected to take place by end of 2017, to assess LLINs universal coverage and use among other things.