Community participatory mapping of malaria mosquito breeding sites in Mozambique

Background: The community involvement and the people’s knowledge allow detailed information about the distribution, location, and identification of mosquito breeding-sites. Information which is fundamental for their efficient management and elimination. Since participatory mapping has proven to be an effective tool to identify health determinants, the study aimed to apply the methodology to identify and map potential mosquito breeding-sites in Tambai, Nhamatanda, Mozambique. Methods: A study was conducted using an open-question guide. Discussions were held with 94 participants within ten focus groups, selected in collaboration with local community leaders. A thematic content analysis was performed. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize sociodemographic data. Geographic Positioning System (GPS) was used to compare and map potential breeding-sites. Children under 5 years of age who tested positive for malaria, were georeferenced to the maps. Results: Participants were aware of causes and transmission of malaria, no major differences between groups were observed regarding knowledge and identification of principal potential breeding sites. Gender and age determined specific information, number, and diversity of identified potential breeding sites. A total of 125 potential breeding-sites (36 permanent and 89 temporary) were mapped. Conclusions: Several potential mosquito breeding-sites were identified, located throughout the community, often near house conglomerates and malaria cases. Community participatory mapping could be used to identify potential mosquito breeding-sites by the national malaria control programmes to establish an efficient larval surveillance system, while improving community engagement and control strategies. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04419766.