Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has been present in Magaria health district of Niger since 2005, conducting targeted pediatric programmes in response of acute malnutrition, seasonal malaria (the leading causes of death among children), and epidemic outbreaks. Each year, from August to November, the pediatric unit runs by MSF in Magaria hospital handle a significant increase in admissions, due to the malaria and malnutrition.
Since 2021, MSF has implemented indoor residuals spraying in Magaria health district to reduce the malaria incidence by killing the mosquitoes that transmit the disease. This year, in collaboration with local health authorities, this campaign targets 25 villages identified as the most affected by malaria within the district. The spraying is strategically conducted at the beginning of the malaria peak season to reduce the reproduction of the female Anopheles mosquito, the primary vector of the disease.
Nearly a month into the malaria peak season, our pediatric unit and nutrition centers are admitting an average of 100 patients daily, nearly half of whom are children suffering from malaria.
Combined to the work done by community health workers, indoor residual spraying is one of several key actions implemented to tackle the malaria peak season.
This package includes testimonials from both staff and beneficiaries of the spraying campaign, offering insights into its impact.