%0 Journal Article
%T Using a Geographical-Information-System-Based Decision Support to Enhance Malaria Vector Control in Zambia
%A Emmanuel Chanda
%A Victor Munyongwe Mukonka
%A David Mthembu
%A Mulakwa Kamuliwo
%A Sarel Coetzer
%A Cecilia Jill Shinondo
%J Journal of Tropical Medicine
%D 2012
%I Hindawi Publishing Corporation
%R 10.1155/2012/363520
%X Geographic information systems (GISs) with emerging technologies are being harnessed for studying spatial patterns in vector-borne diseases to reduce transmission. To implement effective vector control, increased knowledge on interactions of epidemiological and entomological malaria transmission determinants in the assessment of impact of interventions is critical. This requires availability of relevant spatial and attribute data to support malaria surveillance, monitoring, and evaluation. Monitoring the impact of vector control through a GIS-based decision support (DSS) has revealed spatial relative change in prevalence of infection and vector susceptibility to insecticides and has enabled measurement of spatial heterogeneity of trend or impact. The revealed trends and interrelationships have allowed the identification of areas with reduced parasitaemia and increased insecticide resistance thus demonstrating the impact of resistance on vector control. The GIS-based DSS provides opportunity for rational policy formulation and cost-effective utilization of limited resources for enhanced malaria vector control. 1. Introduction In Sub-Saharan Africa, malaria remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality [1]. Its transmission is driven by a complex interaction of the vector, host, parasite, and the environment, and is governed by different ecological and social determinants [2, 3]. The survival and bionomics of malaria vectors are affected by climate variability, that is, rainfall, temperature, and relative humidity [4]. In this light, even minute spatial variations and temporal heterogeneities in the mosquito population can result in significant malaria-risk [5, 6] and its endemicity [7¨C9]. Since malaria distribution is not homogeneous, much effort needs to be expended towards defining local spatial distribution of the disease [2] precedent to deployment of interventions [10]. In resource constrained environments, monitoring, and evaluation is often incomprehensive and irregular and tend to lack the actual spatial and temporal distribution patterns. If transmission determining parameters are to be harnessed effectively for decision-making and objectively plan, implement, monitor, and evaluate viable options for malaria vector control [11], they must be well organized, analyzed, and managed in the context of a geographical-information-system- (GIS-) based decision support system (DSS) [3, 12]. While vector control interventions are being deployed according to the World Health Organization-led Integrated Vector Management Straandtegy [10, 13, 14], prompt
%U http://www.hindawi.com/journals/jtm/2012/363520/