The PMI VectorLink Zambia 2021 End of Spray Report

The campaign aimed to control malaria transmission in targeted areas. The project received funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the President's Malaria Initiative (PMI). Implementation of IRS activities involved planning and partner collaboration, training, spray operations and supervision, insecticide stock management, social behavior change communication, and post-spray activities. Pre-spray planning activities included assessments of targeted catchment areas, identification of IRS sites, and procurement of necessary equipment and supplies. Training programs were conducted for government and seasonal workers, with a focus on IRS techniques and safety protocols. Spray operations and supervision involved the deployment of spray teams to targeted areas, where they applied insecticides to the interior surfaces of structures. Community-based IRS was also implemented, with community members participating in the spraying process. Payment of spray personnel and procurement of necessary materials were also managed during this period. Insecticide stock management was a critical component of the project, with regular assessments and replenishment of stock levels. Social behavior change communication activities aimed to promote awareness and adoption of IRS among community members. These activities included advocacy meetings with chiefs and influential community leaders, community mobilization, and print and mass media communication. Post-spray activities included inventory assessment and demobilization, post-spray review meetings, and capacity-building efforts. The project also implemented gender mainstreaming initiatives to ensure equal participation and benefits for women and men. Entomological monitoring activities were conducted to assess the susceptibility of malaria vectors to insecticides and to evaluate the residual efficacy of IRS. Insecticide susceptibility tests were conducted on Anopheles funestus s.l. and Anopheles gambiae s.l. populations, while IRS spray quality assessment and residual efficacy were also evaluated. Environmental and safety compliance were ensured through IRS campaign assessments and preparations, incident reports, demobilization and waste management, and COVID-19 mitigation efforts. Monitoring and evaluation activities were conducted to assess the effectiveness of the IRS campaign, including data collection, entry, and quality assurance, mHealth implementation, and IRS campaign results. Challenges faced during the campaign included logistical and operational issues, while lessons learned highlighted the importance of effective planning, training, and supervision. Key recommendations included the need for improved communication and coordination among stakeholders, enhanced capacity-building efforts, and increased focus on social behavior change communication. The PMI VectorLink Project in Zambia made significant progress in controlling malaria transmission through the implementation of IRS activities. The project's efforts to improve entomological monitoring, environmental and safety compliance, and monitoring and evaluation will contribute to the long-term success of malaria control efforts in the region.