Evaluation of lambdacyhalothrin-impregnated bednets in a malaria endemic area of India. Part 1. Implementation and acceptability of the trial

In malaria endemic forested villages in Orissa State, India, a S-year compa rison of nylon nets treated with lambdacyhalothrin at 25 mg/m(2), untreated nets, and no nets was carried out. Treated nets retained high insecticidal efficacy for more than 7 months. Nets washed after 3 months of use gave 98 % kill in a bioassay with a 3-min exposure. Based on these bioassays during the first year, nets were later reimpregnated at 6-monthly intervals with participation of the users. Compliance with the use of nets was good. Eight y-eight percent of nets were usable even after 3 years. The main benefits p erceived by treated net users were reductions in malaria, mosquito bites, h ead louse infestations, and other nuisance insects. The trial was well acce pted by the community. Issues related to social marketing and promotion of nets are discussed.