Description
Introduction:
Ae. Aegypti mosquitos infected with Wolbachia bacterium cannot transmit arboviruses, such as dengue, to humans. The World Mosquito Program has developed a method of inserting Wolbachia bacterium into female Ae. Aegypti mosquitos which can be passed to their offspring, preventing the transmission of arboviruses for future generations. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is currently introducing Ae. aegypti mosquitos containing Wolbachia into the Honduran community of El Manchen. However, the community acceptance of using such a radical method vector control is unknown.
Objective:
Describe community acceptance and involvement in using Ae. aegypti mosquitoes containing Wolbachia for vector control in El Manchen.
Methods:
Between June and July of 2023, MSF conducted sensitization activities informing the community of El Manchen about the release of Ae. aegypti mosquitoes containing Wolbachia to reduce the incidence of dengue. In August 2023, MSF conducted a post-sensitization household survey to assess community acceptance of the use of Wolbachia. Potential participants were selected randomly and distributed within a map of El Manchen. Survey questions included sociodemographics, knowledge about vector control methods, mosquito-borne diseases, and Wolbachia. The sensitization about Wolbachia continued during releases, focused on community involvement in dengue control, solving doubts, and addressing concerns. During releases, community focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted, including topics such as places for releases of mosquitos, vector control needs, and community involvement.
Results:
Out of 498 heads of households approached, 405 agreed to participate (81.4%), 66% of respondents were female, the majority were older than 45 (65%). Most respondents reported a secondary level of education or more (57%) and lived in El Manchen for over 4 years (89%). 34% of respondents heard about Wolbachia post-sensitization. ‘Very high’ was the most common (68%) response when asked how concerned they were about mosquito-related illnesses. 72% found 'very acceptable’ the release of Wolbachia mosquitos, 4.2% said it was not acceptable due to worries about mosquito bites, getting sick, and effectiveness.
13 FGD were conducted (161 participants), during these discussions, participants reported a positive outlook toward the use of Wolbachia for vector control. However, fear of more dengue cases or increased mosquito bites were common themes voiced. Initiatives to reduce mosquito breeding sites were discussed.
Discussion:
Although most household respondents agreed with the use of Wolbachia for vector control, survey results showed that not all of them understood how the method works, suggesting that continued sensitizing strategies are needed. An increase in mosquito bites is the most common complaint and it is resulting in an empowerment process where the community asks for other public health services for dengue control strategies. Community outreach was a top priority for MSF health promotion activities, it has led to adjustments for implementation, such as change in the day/time of releases and availability of a package of minimal care for community members who complain about mosquito bites and related discomforts. Active listening and collective action strategies could result in other sustainable strategies to improve the health of the population.
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