Conference abstract
Challenges of proper disposal of old long-lasting insecticidal nets and its alternative uses in Rural South-Eastern Tanzania
Pan African Medical Journal - Conference Proceedings. 2024:21(8).29
Apr 2024.
doi: 10.11604/pamj-cp.2024.21.8.2325
Archived on: 29 Apr 2024
Contact the corresponding author
Keywords: Disposal, long-lasting insecticidal nets, Southern Tanzania
Oral presentation
Challenges of proper disposal of old long-lasting insecticidal nets and its alternative uses in Rural South-Eastern Tanzania
Sheila Juma Msangi1,2,&, Winifrida Pascal Mponzi1, Letus Laurian Muyaga1,3, Joel Daniel Nkya1, Yohana Anosisye Mwalugelo1,4, Hajirani Musa Msuya1, Dickson Wilson Lwetoijera1,2, Emmanuel Wilson Kaindoa1,2,5
1Ifakara Health Institute, Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, 2The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences and Bio Engineering, Arusha, Tanzania, 3University of Glasgow, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, United Kingdom, 4Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Bondo, Kenya, 5University of the Witwatersrand and the Centre for Emerging Zoonotic and Parasitic Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa
&Corresponding author
Introduction: insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), specifically long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs), are widely employed, scalable, and cost-effective tools for controlling malaria transmission in sub-Saharan Africa. However, the multiple alternative uses of old LLINs have led to improper disposal practices, although the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) have provided guidelines and recommendations for the proper management of old LLINs.
Methods: this study examined the challenges associated with the proper disposal of old LLINs in Kilombero and Ulanga districts in south-eastern Tanzania. An observational study design recruited 400 participants through a mixed-methods approach involving surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews.
Results: surprisingly, 97.0% of survey participants were unaware of these guidelines, while all key informants were also uninformed. The study revealed that limited awareness of WHO guidelines for LLIN disposal was a major challenge for the proper disposal of LLINs. Common disposal methods included burning (30.7%) and disposal in garbage pits (14.8%), with 41.0% of LLIN owners reporting alternative uses.
Conclusion: the study underscores the importance of integrating community engagement and education into policy frameworks to ensure proper LLIN disposal aligns with efforts in malaria control, environmental conservation, and sustainable development goals. Addressing these challenges requires collaborative efforts to raise awareness and regulate alternative uses of LLIN.
Challenges of proper disposal of old long-lasting insecticidal nets and its alternative uses in Rural South-Eastern Tanzania
Sheila Juma Msangi1,2,&, Winifrida Pascal Mponzi1, Letus Laurian Muyaga1,3, Joel Daniel Nkya1, Yohana Anosisye Mwalugelo1,4, Hajirani Musa Msuya1, Dickson Wilson Lwetoijera1,2, Emmanuel Wilson Kaindoa1,2,5
1Ifakara Health Institute, Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, 2The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences and Bio Engineering, Arusha, Tanzania, 3University of Glasgow, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, United Kingdom, 4Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Bondo, Kenya, 5University of the Witwatersrand and the Centre for Emerging Zoonotic and Parasitic Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa
&Corresponding author
Introduction: insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), specifically long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs), are widely employed, scalable, and cost-effective tools for controlling malaria transmission in sub-Saharan Africa. However, the multiple alternative uses of old LLINs have led to improper disposal practices, although the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) have provided guidelines and recommendations for the proper management of old LLINs.
Methods: this study examined the challenges associated with the proper disposal of old LLINs in Kilombero and Ulanga districts in south-eastern Tanzania. An observational study design recruited 400 participants through a mixed-methods approach involving surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews.
Results: surprisingly, 97.0% of survey participants were unaware of these guidelines, while all key informants were also uninformed. The study revealed that limited awareness of WHO guidelines for LLIN disposal was a major challenge for the proper disposal of LLINs. Common disposal methods included burning (30.7%) and disposal in garbage pits (14.8%), with 41.0% of LLIN owners reporting alternative uses.
Conclusion: the study underscores the importance of integrating community engagement and education into policy frameworks to ensure proper LLIN disposal aligns with efforts in malaria control, environmental conservation, and sustainable development goals. Addressing these challenges requires collaborative efforts to raise awareness and regulate alternative uses of LLIN.
