Evaluating indoor residual spray for reducing malaria infection prevalence in Eritrea: Results from a community randomized control trial

This brief summarizes the results of a gender impact evaluation study, entitled Evaluating indoor residual spray for reducing malaria infection prevalence in Eritrea : results from a community randomized trial, conducted between June-July 2009, in Eritrea. The study observed that the relationship between indoor residual spray (IRS) and malaria parasite infection in Gash Barka Zone, Eritrea, an area with near universal coverage of insecticide treated bednets (ITN) and already low malaria parasite prevalence. There was no difference in parasite infection in treatment and control village. The prevalence of malaria parasite infection was twice as high for younger individuals in both treatment and control villages. There was no significant difference in malaria infection of individuals living with or without an insecticide treated net. Individuals who did not receive the treatment may have benefited from treatment in other households. Funding for the study derives from World Bank grant as par of second HAMSET.