Background: The thinking behind malaria research and control strategies stems largely from experience gained in rural areas and needs to be adapted to the urban environment.
Methods: A rapid assessment of urban malaria was conducted in Dar es Salaam in June-August, 2003 using a standard Rapid Urban Malaria Appraisal (RUMA) methodology. This study was part of a multi-site study in sub-Saharan Africa supported by the Roll Back Malaria Partnership.