Assessing Long-Lasting Insecticidal Net Coverage, Access, and Utilization: Insights from Malaria-Endemic Regions and Rohingya Camps in Bangladesh
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Introduction
Malaria remains a major public health challenge, particularly in endemic regions like Bangladesh. To combat this, the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) has been working to ensure long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) reach vulnerable populations. This study assessed LLIN coverage, access, and utilization among the Bangladeshi population and Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMN).
Methods
A cross-sectional survey was conducted from May to October 2023 across five malaria-endemic districts in Bangladesh and ten FDMN camps in Cox’s Bazar. Data were collected from 1,575 households using structured interviews. Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate LLIN distribution and utilization patterns among different demographic groups, particularly households with pregnant women and under-five children.
Results
Among Bangladeshi households, 97.6% owned at least one LLIN, with sufficient coverage for 93.2%. Utilization was high, with 96.4% sleeping under LLINs the previous night. Among pregnant women and under-five children, 95.0% and 98.3%, respectively, used LLINs. However, in FDMN households, while 98.2% owned at least one LLIN, only 44.3% had sufficient coverage, and utilization rates were significantly lower, with 65.7% sleeping under LLINs. Key barriers included inadequate LLIN supply.
Conclusion
Bangladesh has made significant progress in LLIN coverage and utilization among its population, surpassing WHO’s 80% threshold. However, gaps remain in the FDMN population, necessitating targeted interventions to achieve universal coverage and further reduce malaria morbidity and mortality.
