Pilot introduction of long-lasting insecticidal nets and hammock nets in the indigenous Comarca of Guna Yala, Panama.

Background: After almost 70 years of using indoor residual spraying (IRS) as the primary intervention for malaria vector control, the Republic of Panama wanted to evaluate the operational feasibility and acceptability of distributing long-lasting insecticidal hammock nets (LLIHNs) and long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) in the country.

Methods: A pilot study conducted in 2019 distributed LLINs and LLIHNs to cover all sleeping spaces in 15 high burden localities of the indigenous Comarca of Guna Yala and measured retention, coverage, use and physical deterioration, washing and drying practices, as well as people's satisfaction with product characteristics post-distribution.

Results: Overall, 89.

Entomological Surveillance Planning Tool (ESPT)-generated actionable evidence on human and vector behaviours optimizes present interventions and reduces exposure to Anopheles vectors in two communities of Guna Yala, Panamá.

Background: Although most of Panamá is free from malaria, localized foci of transmission persist, including in the Guna Yala region. Government-led entomological surveillance using an Entomological Surveillance Planning Tool (ESPT) sought to answer programmatically relevant questions on local entomological drivers of transmission and gaps in protection to guide local vector control decision-making.

Methods: The ESPT was used to design a sampling plan to answer priority programmatic questions about the appropriateness of Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) and spaces and times where humans remain exposed to Anopheles bites (gaps in protection) in the communities of Permé and Puerto Obaldía, Guna Yala.

Anopheles drivers of persisting malaria transmission in Guna Yala, Panamá: an operational investigation.

Background: Though most of Panamá is free from malaria, localized foci of transmission persist, including in the Guna Yala region. Government-led entomological surveillance using an entomological surveillance planning tool (ESPT) sought to answer programmatically-relevant questions that would enhance the understanding of both local entomological drivers of transmission and gaps in protection that result in persisting malaria transmission to guide local vector control decision-making.

Methods: The ESPT was used to design a sampling plan centered around the collection of minimum essential indicators to investigate the relevance of LLINs and IRS in the communities of Permé and Puerto Obaldía, Guna Yala, as well as to pinpoint any remaining spaces and times where humans are exposed to Anopheles bites (gaps in protection).