Evaluation of Vector Control Programs for Malaria Prevention in Selected Local Government Areas of Niger State, North Central Nigeria

Malaria control in Nigeria relies on a combination of vector control interventions, including insecticide-treated nets, indoor residual spraying, and environmental management. This study evaluated the operational effectiveness of vector control programs in four local government areas of Niger State, North Central Nigeria. Program records from the Niger State Malaria Elimination Program were reviewed for the period 2021 to 2024. Entomological surveys were conducted to assess mosquito species composition, insecticide resistance patterns, and larval site densities. Household surveys administered to 320 households assessed insecticide-treated net ownership, usage, and coverage of indoor residual spraying activities. Results showed that insecticide-treated net coverage, defined as at least one net per two household members, was achieved in seventy-eight percent of households in LGAs targeted by the most recent mass campaign. However, net usage the previous night was only fifty-four percent. Indoor residual spraying had reached only thirty-one percent of eligible structures in the current cycle, with peri-urban areas demonstrating lower coverage. Entomological surveys revealed partial resistance to pyrethroid insecticides in three of four LGA sampling sites. Larval source management activities were minimal due to insufficient trained personnel. The study concludes that while coverage targets for some interventions are being approached, overall program effectiveness is undermined by low usage, insecticide resistance, and implementation gaps. Recommendations include resistance management strategies, behavioral change communication, and enhanced larval source management. Keywords: malaria vector control, Niger State, insecticide-treated nets, indoor residual spraying, entomology.