Biophysical, Entomological and Socio-Environmental Factors and Strategies for the Prevention of Malaria in the Communes of Bassila and Copargo in Northern Benin

Malaria transmission results from a combination of several determinants including biophysical, entomological and socio-environmental. This study aims to identify the determinants of malaria in the communes of Bassila and Copargo and the prevention strategies against malaria vectors used by households. This is a cross-sectional study whose methodological approach consisted of documentary research, socio-anthropological surveys, entomological field surveys, interviews and direct observation of 382 randomly selected households. The collected data were processed and analyzed using Excel 2016. The results of our study show that climatic parameters, hydrography and soils, play a part in the occurrence of malaria in Bassila and Copargo through the ecological conditions offered to vectors and parasites. The vectors encountered are Anopheles gambiae s.l. and Anopheles funestus s.l. with a predominance of the Anopheles gambiae s.l. complex. Depending on the season, there is a predominance of Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles coluzzii species of the an gambiae complex. During the dry season (February to March), An. coluzzii predominates (88.61%) and during the rainy season, the predominance of An. gambiae was observed (76.07%). Population growth, low standard of living, soil type, poor management of the living environment and the perception of the disease by the population also influence malaria transmission. Long-lasting insecticide-treated net is the most widespread strategy with 95% coverage in Bassila and 97% in Copargo in 2020. It is complemented by indoor residual spraying in Copargo which covers 83% of households but is not implemented in Bassila. Endogenous means developed such as the use of smoke coils, fences, and local plants by the populations were also identified in both communes. Although biophysical and entomological factors are favorable, the social standard of living, the living environment, and the behavior of the population contribute greatly to the ineffectiveness of malaria vector control strategies, which is illustrated by the increase in malaria cases in the communes evaluated.