Impact of the Use of Long-Lasting Insecticide-Treated Nets (Llins) on the Rate of Malaria Parasitaemia Among Children Aged Between 0- 5 Years Old at Natitingou, Northern Benin

The use of Long-Lasting Insecticide-treated Nets (LLINs) is one of the preventive methods against malaria in sub-Saharan Africa. The current study was conducted from May- July 2015 on 300 Agbanto hospital patients aged between 0-5 years old to investigate the impact of LLINs use on the prevalence of malaria parasitaemia density in the district of Natitingou in the West –North of Benin.Firstly, KAP (Knowledge Attitude, Practice) survey was conducted on the target population to understand the practices of the people in the use of LLINs. Secondly, blood samples were taken from the patients for malaria parasitaemia density analysis using the thick and thin blood films technique.The results showed that 97% of patients surveyed own at least one LLIN and knew the preventive importance of using the nets against malaria. However, less than 50% of children aged between 0-5years old do not sleep under the LLIN. Ironically, the parents of these children used the nets to protect vegetable seedlings against.In parallel, parasitological results showed the children 0-5 year olds who didn’t sleep under LLINs were significantly affected by malaria with malaria parasitaemia than those who slept under the LLINs.This study showed a high prevalence of parasitaemia associated with malaria parasitaemia, especially in children aged 0-5 years who do not sleep under LLINs.  It’s therefore crucial the Ministry of Health through the National Malaria Control Program to put more emphasis on information, education and communication (IEC) techniques on the use of the LLINs. This will reduce the parasitic density and consequently the infant mortality rate due to malaria.