Assessment of Urban Mosquito Control Programs and Their Effectiveness in Reducing Biting Rates in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State

Urban mosquito control is a critical component of public health management in large Nigerian cities, yet systematic evaluations of program effectiveness are rarely conducted. Port Harcourt Metropolis in Rivers State experiences high mosquito densities year-round due to its humid Niger Delta climate and poor drainage infrastructure. This study assesses the operational design and effectiveness of the current urban mosquito control program in Port Harcourt Metropolis. Program documents, procurement records, and activity reports from the Rivers State Ministry of Health over a three-year period will be reviewed to characterize control activities. Field evaluations of biting rates using human landing catches and larval abundance surveys will be conducted at 18 sentinel sites distributed across treated and comparison untreated zones of the city. Biting rate data collected quarterly over one year will be used to assess spatial and temporal patterns of mosquito pressure relative to documented spray activities. Key informant interviews with program managers, field spray teams, and community health officers will complement quantitative data. This research provides an independent operational audit of urban vector control in Rivers State, offering actionable evidence for program redesign. Keywords: urban mosquito control, Port Harcourt, biting rates, vector control evaluation, Rivers State