Digitalized mass distribution campaign of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) in the particular context of Covid-19 pandemic
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alaria Journal Open Access
RESEARCH
Digitalized mass distribution campaign of insecticide‑treated nets (ITNs) in the particular context of Covid‑19 pandemic in Benin: challenges and lessons learned Rock Aïkpon1*, Cyriaque Affoukou1, Benjamin Hounpkatin2, Dieu‑Donné Eclou3, Yves Cyaka4, Elijah Egwu5, Narcisse Agbessi1, Filémon Tokponnon6, Sahidou Salifou7, Lamidhi Salami2 and Aurore Ogouyemi Hounto1
Abstract Background: In 2020, Benin has implemented a digitalized mass distribution campaign of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) in the particular context of COVID-19 pandemic. This paper describes the implementation process as well as the challenges and lessons learned from this campaign. Methods: A descriptive design was used for reporting the planning and implementation process of ITNs campaign. Moreover, the changes and adaptations related to COVID-19 pandemic are described. Results: A total of 3,175,773 households were registered corresponding to a total of 14,423,998 persons (13.55% more from projection). Moreover, 94.16% (13,581,637 people) of enumerated population were protected. A total of 7,652,166 ITNs were distributed countrywide. Conclusions: High political commitment, engagement and support add to the financial and technical supports from partners were the essential factors that make 2020 ITNs mass campaign success in Benin despite the particular con‑ text of COVID-19 pandemic. It is essential to maintain the prevention activities for malaria and this could substantially reduce the overall impact of the COVID-19 pandemic for the populations at malaria risk. Keywords: Digital, Itns campaign, Covid-19, Lessons, Benin Background Malaria remains endemic and a serious threat to development in inter-tropic countries, with an estimated 228 million cases and 405,000 deaths in 2018, of which 93% of cases and 94% of deaths occurred in the Africa region [1]. Vector control is a key component in malaria prevention strategies and has contributed to a significant decrease in malaria worldwide [2–4]. Insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) remain one of the most efficacious vector *Correspondence: [email protected] 1 Programme Nationale de Lutte Contre Le Paludisme (PNLP), Cotonou, Benin Full list of author information is available at the end of the article
control measure available against malaria [5, 6] and its use has highly increased in sub-Saharan Africa in the past decade. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends universal coverage in the populations at risk through mass distribution campaigns (with one net for every two people) [7]. The big challenge to the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCPs) is to reach and sustain this high coverage rate. The NMCP of Benin has adopted a policy of mass distribution since 2011, on a triennial basis, considering the lifespan of ITNs, as previously evaluated in the country [8], and as recommended by the WHO [9–12]. The 4th mass distribution campaign took place in 2020 and has been digitized. The purpose of using digital tools for the
© The Author(s) 2020. This articl
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