Introduction: The main vector control tool in most malaria-endemic countries is insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs). In the DRC, the rapid loss of coverage in the months following mass campaigns as a result of reduced durability and quality of LLINs within a year, has led to a strategy of distributing LLINs through schools to maintain coverage. This study aims to evaluate the results of the campaign’s implementation in the 4 provinces that have organized school-based distribution of LLINs.
Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in 104 EPST sub-divisions in 4 DRC provinces (Equateur, Kongo Central, Lomami and Maindombe) that organized school-based distribution of LLINs between November 2021 and June 2022. The sample was exhaustive of all pupils in primary grades one to six, then of schools, COPAs and administrative staff. SPSS Statistics 22 software was used for bivariate variables and P-value calculation with a significance level below 0.05, Excel 2019 for univariate variables.
Results: The average duration of the process was 6 months ± 3 months in the 4 provinces. Only Equateur province served 100% of LLINs. Male students were served more than female students, and the proportion of LLINs served to students decreased from first to sixth grade in all 4 provinces. There was no significant difference between the statistical data and the student reports. In addition, a significant difference was noted for schools and students between the state and distribution data.
Discussion: A baseline survey is not a prerequisite for the distribution of LLINs in schools, as the statistical data and the baseline survey were almost identical. Hence the statistical data remain valid for planning and also for implementation.
Conclusion: We suggest eliminating the inventory stage to reduce the average duration of the school-based LLIN distribution process to less than 3 months.