Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42304448›Full record

ArticleMalaria journal2026

Understanding community and health system acceptability, readiness and perspectives on the introduction of new vector control approaches for malaria control in Papua New Guinea.

Zebedee Kerry, Rachael Farquhar, Kilon Manuv, Alma Auwun, Petrina Johnson, Paul Daly, Michael Macdonald, Stephen Bell, Maria Ome-Kaius, Stephan Karl and 2 more

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Malaria journal, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

12 authors.

Zebedee Kerry *Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea. zebedee.kerry@pngimr.org.pg.
Rachael Farquhar *Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.
Kilon Manuv *Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea.
Alma AuwunPapua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea.
Petrina JohnsonPapua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea.
Paul DalyBurnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.
Michael MacdonaldInnovative Vector Control Consortium, Liverpool, England.
Stephen BellBurnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.
Maria Ome-KaiusPapua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea.
Stephan Karl *Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea.
Moses Laman *Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea.
Leanne J Robinson *Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.

Funding

National Health and Medical Research Council 2017630
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundMalaria remains a major public health challenge in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and accounted for most malaria cases and deaths in the Western Pacific Region in 2023. Despite current national efforts centred on insecticide treated nets (ITNs), there is a pressing need to explore supplementary vector control tools, given the resurgence of malaria in PNG since 2015, partly driven by declining insecticidal efficacy of ITNs. The Newly Adapted Tools and Network Against Mosquito Borne Disease Transmission (NATNAT) project is assessing the feasibility and acceptability of complementary vector control approaches in PNG communities and the health system. These tools include residual spraying, spatial emanators, and larval source management.

methodsWe conducted an exploratory qualitative study to examine community acceptability, readiness and perceptions of current vector control tools such as ITNs and the potential reintroduction of supplementary vector control approaches, like residual spraying. Using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, data were collected from four villages along the north coast of Madang Province: Megiar, Bulal, Mirap, and Wasab. Transcripts were analyzed thematically using inductive techniques, with collaborative review to refine key themes by study team.

resultsThe current malaria control practices and contextual factors shaped community perceptions and the prospective acceptability of residual spraying. Community members demonstrated a strong understanding of malaria risk, including seasonal transmission patterns and breeding sites, and reported both traditional and program-implemented vector control approaches used in their village. Engagement for vector control activities was motivated by strong leadership, personal values, and a comprehensive understanding of malaria risk factors. Community support for supplementary vector control measures, alongside a strong desire to address existing gaps in mosquito protection, were key drivers of acceptability. Addressing insecticide safety concerns informed in part by historical DDT spraying campaigns experiences through tailored, context-specific communication strategies will be critical for the successful adoption of residual spraying. Affordability and uptake of new vector control tools into existing programs are essential for sustainable uptake into policy and practice.

conclusionsFindings demonstrate the prospective acceptability of new vector control tools in PNG and underscores the importance of sustained, in-depth community engagement. To ensure effective implementation, policy development must consider community norms and practices, societal attitudes, and resource availability.

Indexed as

Health Knowledge, Attitudes, PracticeMalariaMosquito ControlPatient Acceptance of Health CareAdultAnimalsFemaleHumansMaleMiddle AgedPapua New GuineaCommunity acceptabilityImplementation researchMalariaResidual sprayingSocio-cultural influencesVector borne diseasesVector control tools

Identifiers

PMID42304448
PMCPMC13508190

What OpenQuestion holds

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.