Recommendations for building out mosquito-transmitted diseases in sub-Saharan Africa: the DELIVER mnemonic

In sub-Saharan Africa, most transmission of mosquito-transmitted diseases,

such as malaria or dengue, occurs within or around houses. Preventing mosquito house entry and reducing mosquito production around the home

would help reduce the transmission of these diseases. Based on recent

research, we make key recommendations for reducing the threat of mosquito-transmitted diseases through changes to the built environment. The

mnemonic, DELIVER, recommends the following best practices: (i) Doors

should be screened, self-closing and without surrounding gaps; (ii) Eaves,

the space between the wall and roof, should be closed or screened; (iii)

houses should be Lifted above the ground; (iv) Insecticide-treated nets

should be used when sleeping in houses at night; (v) houses should be Ventilated, with at least two large-screened windows to facilitate airflow; (vi)

Environmental management should be conducted regularly inside and

around the home; and (vii) Roofs should be solid, rather than thatch. DELIVER is a package of interventions to be used in combination for maximum

impact. Simple changes to the built environment will reduce exposure to

mosquito-transmitted diseases and help keep regions free from these

diseases after elimination.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Novel control strategies for

mosquito-borne diseases’.