A case study from Ghana

In 2004, AngloGold Ashanti, a global gold mining company, identified malaria as the biggest public health threat to its operations in Ghana. It then launched a comprehensive malaria control programme that has been implemented in many districts of the country.

The following case study describes which Insecticide Resistance Management strategies were deployed by AngloGold Ashanti Malaria Control Limited (AGAMal) in Ghana.

Faced with the fact that malaria had an adverse impact on its productivity, AGAMal implemented an integrated vector control intervention in Ghana. It combined indoor residual spraying (IRS), bed nets and larval source management. The intervention was successful and gained international recognition. The programme then applied and received Global fund support for expansion of IRS to other districts in Ghana 2012.

As shown in the video, the programme adapted its strategy on how to manage the insecticides several times over the years. It had also to face the development of resistance in the local malaria vectors. You will find a table with an overview of which insecticides were applied attached to this step.

A further important aspect of this case study is the reference to further challenges such as the effects of indiscriminate use of agro-pesticides by farmers that threatens to increase insecticide resistance in the mosquitoes transmitting malaria.

Watch the video and, in the comment section below, try to summarise the measures that AGAMal describes in its Insecticide Resistance Management strategy.