Malaria Vector Control Practices and Insecticide-Treated Net Distribution in Rural Niger State: A Programme Appraisal

Vector control through universal insecticide-treated net coverage remains the cornerstone of Nigeria's malaria elimination strategy, yet programme implementation quality varies significantly across rural states. This programme appraisal evaluated insecticide-treated net distribution quality and household usage rates following a mass distribution exercise in four rural local government areas of Niger State, North Central Nigeria. Post-distribution assessment surveys were conducted in 360 households using structured questionnaires and physical net inspection protocols. Coverage indicators including household net ownership, population access, and nightly usage rates were calculated. Overall household net ownership post-distribution was 78.4 percent, but population access (defined as one net for every two persons) was achieved in only 51.9 percent of households. Nightly utilisation of distributed nets was documented in 63.7 percent of households with available nets. Structural barriers including high room temperatures, perceptions about net durability, and lack of hanging points were consistently identified. Community health worker follow-up visits significantly predicted higher utilisation rates. The appraisal recommends enhanced post-distribution follow-up protocols, targeted messaging on net care and repair, and integration of net utilisation monitoring into routine community health worker activities in Niger State. Keywords: insecticide-treated nets, malaria vector control, programme appraisal, net utilisation, Niger State.