The distribution of malaria in Namibia is mainly confined to the northern
parts of Namibia. Although the malaria vectors were presumed to be
Anopheles arabiensis, a member of the Anopheles gambiae group of
morphologically similar species, no scientific study had been undertaken to
identify the species in Namibia. Given the variable behaviour of this
species, in an area where the mainstay for vector control has been indoor
residual house spraying (IRS) with 75% DDT wettable powder since the
1960’s, reassessment of the vector species composition and its resting and
biting behaviour are absolutely important. In addition to insecticide house
spraying, the malaria control included case management with Chloroquine,
as the first line treatment for uncomplicated malaria.
The general objective of the study was to determine the vector species in
malaria transmission, seasonal abundance, behaviour of malaria vectors and
efficiency of the diagnostic and treatment procedures and the overall
malaria control scenario in Namibia.
Two sites were selected for this study based on the demographic,
epidemiological and climatic conditions that are believed to represent the
various malaria endemic areas in northern Namibia.