Disease Vector Control (DVC) remains the most generally effective measure to prevent malaria transmission and therefore is one of the four basic technical elements of the Global Malaria Control Strategy. The principal objective of disease vector control is the reduction of malaria morbidity and mortality by reducing the levels of transmission. Vector control methods vary considerably in their applicability, cost and sustainability of their results. The choice of vector control will depend on the magnitude of the malaria burden, the feasibility of timely and correct application of the required interventions and the possibility of sustaining the resulting modified epidemiological situation.

DDT is one of 12 insecticides that WHO recommends for use in indoor residual spraying (IRS) against malaria carrying mosquitoes i.e. for spraying on inside walls of buildings, where mosquitoes tend to rest. To assist countries in the implementation of their DVC programs, WHO has developed guidelines for the different methods of control.

Links to specific elements of DVC are below:

• Integrated Vector Management
• Insecticides Use in IRS
• Personal Protection Measures
• Biological and Environmental Methods