Role of pyrethroids in control of malaria amongst refugee population

Malaria is a human disease caused by sporozoan parasite belonging to genus plasmodium. According to World Health Organization (WHO) estimates for year 2006, there were 247 million clinical infections and 0.88 million deaths due to malaria. Malaria control programmes aim to contain the disease and reduce its' burden on the refugees by adopting various methods to reduce the incidence of malaria by targeting the mosquitos. Most of the displaced people live in Asia and Africa, where host countries lack the resources to support them. Under these conditions, the methods adopted for control of malaria should be both effective and safe. Pyrethroids form the mainstay of preventive measures due to their efficacy and safety in mammals. They can be used as (a) indoor residual sprays, (b) impregnation of bednets, blankets/top sheets, curtains and personal clothing, (c) pyrethroid containing coils, mats and vaporizers and (d) livestock sponging.