Abstract:
Background: Malaria elimination is unlikely to be achieved without the implementation
of new vector control interventions capable of complementing insecticide-treated nets
and indoor residual spraying. Attractive-toxic sugar baits (ATSBs) are considered a new
vector control paradigm. They are technologically appropriate as they are simple and
affordable to produce. ATSBs kill both female and male mosquitoes attracted to sugar
feed on a sugary solution containing a mosquitocidal agent and may be used indoors or
outdoors. This study explored the views and perceptions on ATSBs of community
members from three Coastal Tanzanian communities.
Methods: Three communities were chosen to represent coastal urban, peri-urban and
rural areas. Sensitization meetings were held with a total of sixty community members
where ATSBs were presented and explained their mode of action. At the end of the
meeting, one ATSB was given to each participant for a period of 2 weeks, after which
they were invited to participate in focus group discussions (FGDs) to provide feedback
on their experience.
Results: Over 50% of the participants preferred to use the bait indoors although they had
been instructed to place it outdoors. Participants who used the ATSBs indoors reported
fewer mosquitoes inside their homes, but were disappointed not to find the dead
mosquitoes in the baits, altho ugh they had been informed that this was unlikely to
happen. Most participants disliked the appearance of the bait and some thought it to be
reminiscent of witchcraft. Neighbours that did not participate in the FGDs or
sensitizations were sceptical of the baits.
Conclusions: This study delivers insight on how communities in Coastal Tanzania are
likely to perceive ATSBs and provides important information for future trials
investigating the efficacy of ATSBs against malaria. This new vector control tool will
require sensitization at community level regarding its mode of action in order to increase
the acceptance and confidence in ATSBs for mosquito control given that most people are
not familiar with the new paradigm. A few recommendations for product development
and delivery are discussed.