Long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) are a core malaria prevention tool and played an important role in the remarkable success in reducing malaria burden. In Bangladesh, LLINs are being distributed by the National Malaria Control Program (NMCP) in malaria endemic areas.
However, the efficacy and durability of LLINs wane over the years when washed in water and may have an impact on preventing malaria. There is no regular monitoring mechanism to monitor such. Therefore, the Entomology Section of Malaria and Parasitic Disease Control (M&PDC) unit of Disease Control (DC) division under the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) commissioned an entomological investigation to monitor the effectiveness of LLINs using a bioassay test, to see whether the LLINs are effectively controlling the vector mosquitoes.
With the financial support from WHO, the bioassay test was carried out in 08 (eight) sub-districts in Bangladesh. Following WHO standard procedure, used LLINs were collected from the households of the study areas and tested in the field laboratory. Results of the study will help NMCP to take appropriate decisions to prevent and control malaria vector through different interventions.