Abstract
Vector control (VC) remains one of the key components in the fight against malaria. This strategy relies primarily on the use of insecticides, which is believed to have exerted strong selection pressure on resistant populations within malaria vectors. These resistant populations could compromise the effectiveness and sustainability of current control tools. The findings presented in this thesis contribute to the framework of integrated vector management for malaria control. The objectives of this research were to evaluate, at the community level, the effectiveness of insecticidal paint, indoor residual spraying (IRS), Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) strategies, and ivermectin in combination with long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) in reducing malaria transmission in Burkina Faso. The aim was to generate results that could expand the arsenal of tools available for VC. To achieve this, we first described the bionomics of malaria vectors, the mechanisms of insecticide resistance, and the entomological transmission of malaria. The results highlighted the necessity of regularly monitoring mosquito resistance, both physiologically and behaviorally, to establish an effective insecticide resistance management plan. We also characterized and quantified human exposure to malaria vector bites. The findings revealed that LLIN users are exposed to early (before 8:00 PM) and late (after 5:00 AM) mosquito bites. These biting behaviors could contribute to the persistence of residual malaria transmission despite the widespread use of LLINs in the study area. In the second part of this study, we assessed, at the community level, the effectiveness of IRS, IEC strategies, ivermectin, and insecticidal paint in combination with LLINs in reducing malaria transmission in Burkina Faso. The evaluation of the residual effectiveness of pirimiphos-methyl indicated that it could be used in rotation with other insecticide classes as part of insecticide resistance management. Furthermore, we obtained an additional month of effectiveness by applying a primer before the insecticidal paint on walls. Additionally, repeated administration of ivermectin to human populations in the study area led to a reduction in human-vector contact. Moreover, the combined use of LLINs and IRS with pirimiphos-methyl in villages yielded promising results in reducing anopheline densities and the entomological inoculation rate compared to using LLINs alone. However, combining LLINs with an enhanced IEC strategy had no significant impact on vector density or the entomological inoculation rate compared to using LLINs alone. These findings confirm the necessity of strengthening current VC tools with innovative and complementary approaches to LLINs, including community engagement in control programs. Additionally, these data could serve as a guide for malaria control programs, particularly for national malaria control programs in African countries and other continents, in developing effective strategic plans. This would help better target malaria vectors in the context of widespread insecticide resistance.