Bibliographic Info
Recommendation
Recommended in favor
Conditional
Certainty of evidence
Low
The regular application of biological or chemical insecticides to water bodies (larviciding) is recommended for malaria prevention and control as a supplementary intervention in areas where optimal coverage withinsecticide-treated net (ITNs) or indoor residual spraying (IRS) has been achieved, where aquatic habitats are few, fixed and findable, and where its application is both feasible and cost-effective.
Notes and Remarks
- 1.Since larviciding only reduces vector density, it does not have the same potential for health impact as ITNs and IRS both of which reduce vector longevity and provide protection from biting vectors. As a result, larviciding should never be seen as a substitute for ITNs or IRS in areas with significant malaria risk, but represents a potential supplementary strategy for malaria control in Africa. Larviciding will generally be most effective in areas where larval habitats are few, fixed and findable, and likely less feasible in areas where the aquatic habitats are abundant, scattered and variable.
Also Featured In
This recommendation also appears in the following guidelines:
Guidelines for Malaria Vector Control
WHO guidelines for malaria, 16 February 2021.
WHO guidelines for malaria, 13 July 2021.
WHO guidelines for malaria, 18 February 2022.
WHO guidelines for malaria, 31 March 2022.
WHO guidelines for malaria, 3 June 2022.
WHO guidelines for malaria, 16 October 2023.
WHO Guidelines for malaria, 14 March 2023
WHO guidelines for malaria, 30 November 2024.