On August 1, 2024, the Universidad del Cauca, in alliance with the Universidad Nacional de Colombia, presented in Guapi, Cauca, the results of an important research project focused on the prevention and elimination of malaria in the municipalities of the Pacific coast.

On August 1, 2024, the University of Cauca, in alliance with the National University of Colombia under the leadership of Dr. Martha Lucia Quiñones and her research team, socialized in the municipality of Guapi, Cauca, the results of the project Study of the main factors of parasites, vectors and host for the development of malaria elimination strategies in the Department of Cauca in objective No. 3: “Evaluate complementary entomological measures for malaria vector control in the department of Cauca”. The presentation was carried out in front of local authorities and the community of Barrio El Carmen, which was the area selected for the research due to its high number of malaria cases.

This project, financed with resources from the General System of Royalties and executed by the University of Cauca in the municipalities of the Pacific coast (Guapi, Timbiquí and López de Micay), develops the following objectives: 1. To evaluate the genotypes of markers of resistance to antimalarials in Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax populations through molecular surveillance, 2. Determine the prevalence of D-G6PD and CIT-P450 polymorphism in the target population, 3. Evaluate complementary entomological measures for malaria vector control in the department of Cauca and 4. Implement a model of public health promotion, prevention and surveillance with community participation.

Provided photo 

Objective 3 seeks to evaluate the impact of spatial repellents, specifically transfluthrin, in reducing contact between humans and vectors in the peridomicile of homes. To carry out this study, dwellings were selected in the aforementioned neighborhood whose inhabitants signed an informed consent form. Jute strips and mats were then installed outside the houses, half of which were impregnated with transfluthrin and half of which were left untreated as a control group. Transfluthrin, approved by WHO for vector control and registered under INVIMA No. 2021RGSP-0000009 according to Resolution No. 20211044597 of October 6, 2021, is provided by the company ADAPTICA S.A.S.

To evaluate the effectiveness of transfluthrin, two replicates of the study were carried out: the first with a concentration of 5% and the second with a concentration of 0.38%. Initial results showed that, before treatment, mosquito averages in the treated and control dwellings were similar. However, after treatment, a significant reduction in the number of mosquitoes was observed in the treated houses. The final effectiveness in mosquito reduction, measured by species and for up to 13 weeks, was as follows: Anopheles 97.2%, Aedes 90.3%, other culicidae 90.3%, and for total mosquitoes 91.2%. These results support the incorporation of transfluthrin as a complementary strategy to the use of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs), long-lasting insecticide-treated bed nets (LLINs), and indoor residual insecticide spraying (IRS).

Provided photo

During the presentation of the results to the community of the El Carmen neighborhood, Dr. Beatriz Eugenia Bastidas of the Universidad del Cauca and the research team conducted an educational activity focused on malaria promotion and prevention. This educational intervention not only enriched the informative session, but also significantly advanced objective No. 4: “Implement a model of public health promotion, prevention and surveillance with community participation.” The activity provided residents with practical tools and essential knowledge to address malaria more effectively, marking a decisive step towards community health and well-being.

Written by:

VRI Communications