*Result*: Insecticide Resistance Management in Malaria Vectors in Tanzania Mainland (2015-2024): A Scoping Review.
Title:
Insecticide Resistance Management in Malaria Vectors in Tanzania Mainland (2015-2024): A Scoping Review.
Authors:
Nkya TE; University of Dar es Salaam-Mbeya College of Health and Allied Sciences, Mbeya, Tanzania.
Source:
Tropical medicine & international health : TM & IH [Trop Med Int Health] 2026 Feb; Vol. 31 (2), pp. 162-175. Date of Electronic Publication: 2025 Dec 03.
Publication Type:
Journal Article; Scoping Review; Review
Language:
English
Journal Info:
Publisher: Blackwell Scientific Publications Country of Publication: England NLM ID: 9610576 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1365-3156 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 13602276 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Trop Med Int Health Subsets: MEDLINE
Imprint Name(s):
Publication: Oxford : Blackwell Scientific Publications
Original Publication: Oxford, UK : Blackwell Science Ltd, c1996-
Original Publication: Oxford, UK : Blackwell Science Ltd, c1996-
MeSH Terms:
References:
WHO, World Malaria Report 2023 (World Health Organization, 2023).
S. Bhatt, D. J. Weiss, E. Cameron, et al., “The Effect of Malaria Control on Plasmodium Falciparum in Africa Between 2000 and 2015,” Nature 526 (2015): 207–211.
S. Nalinya, D. Musoke, and K. Deane, “Malaria Prevention Interventions Beyond Long‐Lasting Insecticidal Nets and Indoor Residual Spraying in Low‐ and Middle‐Income Countries: A Scoping Review,” Malaria Journal 21 (2022): 31.
H. Mponda, O. Mukasa, S. Abdulla, et al., “Socially Marketed Insecticide‐Treated Nets Improve Malaria and Anaemia in Pregnancy in Southern Tanzania,” Tropical Medicine & International Health 7 (2002): 149–158.
National Malaria Control Programme, Malaria Surveillance, Monitoring and Evaluation Plan (National Malaria Control Programme, 2022).
S. Lalji, J. M. Ngondi, N. G. Thawer, et al., “School Distribution as Keep‐Up Strategy to Maintain Universal Coverage of Long‐Lasting Insecticidal Nets: Implementation and Results of a Program in Southern Tanzania,” Global Health, Science and Practice 4 (2016): 251–263.
Africa Fighting Malaria, “Summary of Indoor Residual Spraying in Tanzania,” accessed November 12, 2025, https://www.fightingmalaria.org/files/pdfs/Tanzania_IRSWMD2008.pdf.
“President's Malaria Initiative: Tanzania Malaria Operational Plan FY 2015—United Republic of Tanzania,” accessed November 12, 2025, https://reliefweb.int/report/united‐republic‐tanzania/presidents‐malaria‐initiative‐tanzania‐malaria‐operational‐plan‐fy‐2015.
C. D. Mwalimu, S. N. Lazaro, W. N. Kisinza, S. M. Magesa, and S. S. Kiware, “The Impact of Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) Withdrawal in the Lake Zone Regions in Mainland Tanzania. Should Tanzania Withdrawal Its IRS Program?” 2023, https://doi.org/10.21203/RS.3.RS‐2888818/V1.
T. E. Nkya, I. Akhouayri, W. Kisinza, and J.‐P. David, “Impact of Environment on Mosquito Response to Pyrethroid Insecticides: Facts, Evidences and Prospects,” Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 43 (2013): 407–416.
T. E. Nkya, I. Akhouayri, R. Poupardin, et al., “Insecticide Resistance Mechanisms Associated With Different Environments in the Malaria Vector Anopheles gambiae: A Case Study in Tanzania,” Malaria Journal 13 (2014): 28.
H. Ranson and N. Lissenden, “Insecticide Resistance in African Anopheles Mosquitoes: A Worsening Situation That Needs Urgent Action to Maintain Malaria Control,” Trends in Parasitology 32 (2016): 187–196.
D. J. Matiya, A. B. Philbert, W. Kidima, and J. J. Matowo, “Dynamics and Monitoring of Insecticide Resistance in Malaria Vectors Across Mainland Tanzania From 1997 to 2017: A Systematic Review,” Malaria Journal 18 (2019): 102.
National Malaria Control Programme, Malaria Elimination Strategic Plan 2015–2020 (National Malaria Control Programme, 2015).
WHO, Global Vector Control Response 2017–2030 (World Health Organization, 2017).
WHO, A Toolkit for Integrated Vector Management in Sub‐Saharan Africa (World Health Organization, 2016).
WHO, Global Plan for Insecticide Resistance Management in Malaria Vectors (World Health Organization, 2012).
President's Office Regional Administration and Local Government, “Implementation of Larviciding for Killing Malaria Mosquito Larva,” 2018.
National Audit Office, Annual General Report of the Controller and Auditor General on the Audit of Public Authorities and Other Bodies for the Financial Year 2016/2017 (National Audit Office, 2018).
A. P. Mnzava, T. B. Knox, E. A. Temu, et al., “Implementation of the Global Plan for Insecticide Resistance Management in Malaria Vectors: Progress, Challenges and the Way Forward,” Malaria Journal 14 (2015): 173.
A. C. Tricco, E. Lillie, W. Zarin, et al., “PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA‐ScR): Checklist and Explanation,” Annals of Internal Medicine 169 (2018): 467–473.
P. Tungu, B. Kabula, T. Nkya, et al., “Trends of Insecticide Resistance Monitoring in Mainland Tanzania, 2004–2020,” Malaria Journal 22 (2023): 100.
E. W. Kaindoa, N. S. Matowo, H. S. Ngowo, et al., “Interventions That Effectively Target Anopheles Funestus Mosquitoes Could Significantly Improve Control of Persistent Malaria Transmission in South–Eastern Tanzania,” PLoS One 12 (2017): e0177807.
N. Protopopoff, J. F. Mosha, E. Lukole, et al., “Effectiveness of a Long‐Lasting Piperonyl Butoxide‐Treated Insecticidal Net and Indoor Residual Spray Interventions, Separately and Together, Against Malaria Transmitted by Pyrethroid‐Resistant Mosquitoes: A Cluster, Randomised Controlled, Two‐by‐Two Factorial Design Trial,” Lancet 391 (2018): 1577–1588.
J. O. Odero, I. H. Nambunga, J. P. Masalu, et al., “Genetic Markers Associated With the Widespread Insecticide Resistance in Malaria Vector Anopheles Funestus Populations Across Tanzania,” Parasites & Vectors 17 (2024): 230.
B. Kabula, Y. P. Mlacha, N. Serbantez, et al., “Pyrethroid‐Resistant Malaria Vector Anopheles gambiae Restored Susceptibility After Pre‐Exposure to Piperonyl‐Butoxide: Results From Country‐Wide Insecticide Resistance Monitoring in Tanzania, 2023,” Malaria Journal 23 (2024): 395.
L. A. Messenger, N. S. Matowo, C. L. Cross, et al., “Effects of Next‐Generation, Dual‐Active‐Ingredient, Long‐Lasting Insecticidal Net Deployment on Insecticide Resistance in Malaria Vectors in Tanzania: An Analysis of a 3‐Year, Cluster‐Randomised Controlled Trial,” Lancet. Planetary Health 7 (2023): e673–e683.
E. Kweka, A. Mahande, J. Ouma, et al., “Novel Indoor Residual Spray Insecticide With Extended Mortality Effect: A Case of SumiShield 50WG Against Wild Resistant Populations of Anopheles arabiensis in Northern Tanzania,” Global Health: Science and Practice 6 (2018): 758–765.
J. Matowo, D. Weetman, P. Pignatelli, et al., “Expression of Pyrethroid Metabolizing P450 Enzymes Characterizes Highly Resistant Anopheles Vector Species Targeted by Successful Deployment of PBO‐Treated Bednets in Tanzania,” PLoS One 17 (2022): e0249440.
W. N. Kisinza, T. E. Nkya, B. Kabula, et al., “Multiple Insecticide Resistance in Anopheles gambiae From Tanzania: A Major Concern for Malaria Vector Control,” Malaria Journal 16 (2017): 439.
M. J. Mohamed, D. J. Matiya, F. D. Chibwana, W. Kidima, A. M. Mahande, and E. J. Kweka, “The Comparative Performance of Klypson 500WG and 2GARD‐WP Sprayed on Different Wall Surfaces Against Anopheles gambiae s.l. in Lower Moshi, Northern Tanzania,” Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease 10 (2025): 63.
WHO, Standard Operating Procedure for Testing Insecticide Susceptibility of Adult Mosquitoes in WHO Tube Tests (World Health Organization, 2022).
W. G. Brogdon and A. Chan, “Guideline for Evaluating Insecticide Resistance in Vectors Using the CDC Bottle Bioassay,” 2012, https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/resources/pdf/fsp/ir_manual/ir_cdc_bioassay_en.pdf.
WHO, Global Technical Strategy for Malaria 2016‐2030, 2021 Update (World Health Organization, 2021).
WHO, Global Strategic Framework for Integrated Vector Management (World Health Organization, 2004).
National Malaria Control Programme, National Guideline for Integrated Malaria Vector Control (National Malaria Control Programme, 2016).
National Malaria Control Programme, Mid‐Term Review of the National Malaria Elimination Strategic Plan 2012–2018 (National Malaria Control Programme, 2015).
T. E. Nkya, R. Poupardin, F. Laporte, et al., “Impact of Agriculture on the Selection of Insecticide Resistance in the Malaria Vector Anopheles gambiae: A Multigenerational Study in Controlled Conditions,” Parasites & Vectors 7 (2014): 480.
S. A. Mapua, M. F. Finda, I. H. Nambunga, et al., “Addressing Key Gaps in Implementation of Mosquito Larviciding to Accelerate Malaria Vector Control in Southern Tanzania: Results of a Stakeholder Engagement Process in Local District Councils,” Malaria Journal 20 (2021): 123.
S. Bhatt, D. J. Weiss, E. Cameron, et al., “The Effect of Malaria Control on Plasmodium Falciparum in Africa Between 2000 and 2015,” Nature 526 (2015): 207–211.
S. Nalinya, D. Musoke, and K. Deane, “Malaria Prevention Interventions Beyond Long‐Lasting Insecticidal Nets and Indoor Residual Spraying in Low‐ and Middle‐Income Countries: A Scoping Review,” Malaria Journal 21 (2022): 31.
H. Mponda, O. Mukasa, S. Abdulla, et al., “Socially Marketed Insecticide‐Treated Nets Improve Malaria and Anaemia in Pregnancy in Southern Tanzania,” Tropical Medicine & International Health 7 (2002): 149–158.
National Malaria Control Programme, Malaria Surveillance, Monitoring and Evaluation Plan (National Malaria Control Programme, 2022).
S. Lalji, J. M. Ngondi, N. G. Thawer, et al., “School Distribution as Keep‐Up Strategy to Maintain Universal Coverage of Long‐Lasting Insecticidal Nets: Implementation and Results of a Program in Southern Tanzania,” Global Health, Science and Practice 4 (2016): 251–263.
Africa Fighting Malaria, “Summary of Indoor Residual Spraying in Tanzania,” accessed November 12, 2025, https://www.fightingmalaria.org/files/pdfs/Tanzania_IRSWMD2008.pdf.
“President's Malaria Initiative: Tanzania Malaria Operational Plan FY 2015—United Republic of Tanzania,” accessed November 12, 2025, https://reliefweb.int/report/united‐republic‐tanzania/presidents‐malaria‐initiative‐tanzania‐malaria‐operational‐plan‐fy‐2015.
C. D. Mwalimu, S. N. Lazaro, W. N. Kisinza, S. M. Magesa, and S. S. Kiware, “The Impact of Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) Withdrawal in the Lake Zone Regions in Mainland Tanzania. Should Tanzania Withdrawal Its IRS Program?” 2023, https://doi.org/10.21203/RS.3.RS‐2888818/V1.
T. E. Nkya, I. Akhouayri, W. Kisinza, and J.‐P. David, “Impact of Environment on Mosquito Response to Pyrethroid Insecticides: Facts, Evidences and Prospects,” Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 43 (2013): 407–416.
T. E. Nkya, I. Akhouayri, R. Poupardin, et al., “Insecticide Resistance Mechanisms Associated With Different Environments in the Malaria Vector Anopheles gambiae: A Case Study in Tanzania,” Malaria Journal 13 (2014): 28.
H. Ranson and N. Lissenden, “Insecticide Resistance in African Anopheles Mosquitoes: A Worsening Situation That Needs Urgent Action to Maintain Malaria Control,” Trends in Parasitology 32 (2016): 187–196.
D. J. Matiya, A. B. Philbert, W. Kidima, and J. J. Matowo, “Dynamics and Monitoring of Insecticide Resistance in Malaria Vectors Across Mainland Tanzania From 1997 to 2017: A Systematic Review,” Malaria Journal 18 (2019): 102.
National Malaria Control Programme, Malaria Elimination Strategic Plan 2015–2020 (National Malaria Control Programme, 2015).
WHO, Global Vector Control Response 2017–2030 (World Health Organization, 2017).
WHO, A Toolkit for Integrated Vector Management in Sub‐Saharan Africa (World Health Organization, 2016).
WHO, Global Plan for Insecticide Resistance Management in Malaria Vectors (World Health Organization, 2012).
President's Office Regional Administration and Local Government, “Implementation of Larviciding for Killing Malaria Mosquito Larva,” 2018.
National Audit Office, Annual General Report of the Controller and Auditor General on the Audit of Public Authorities and Other Bodies for the Financial Year 2016/2017 (National Audit Office, 2018).
A. P. Mnzava, T. B. Knox, E. A. Temu, et al., “Implementation of the Global Plan for Insecticide Resistance Management in Malaria Vectors: Progress, Challenges and the Way Forward,” Malaria Journal 14 (2015): 173.
A. C. Tricco, E. Lillie, W. Zarin, et al., “PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA‐ScR): Checklist and Explanation,” Annals of Internal Medicine 169 (2018): 467–473.
P. Tungu, B. Kabula, T. Nkya, et al., “Trends of Insecticide Resistance Monitoring in Mainland Tanzania, 2004–2020,” Malaria Journal 22 (2023): 100.
E. W. Kaindoa, N. S. Matowo, H. S. Ngowo, et al., “Interventions That Effectively Target Anopheles Funestus Mosquitoes Could Significantly Improve Control of Persistent Malaria Transmission in South–Eastern Tanzania,” PLoS One 12 (2017): e0177807.
N. Protopopoff, J. F. Mosha, E. Lukole, et al., “Effectiveness of a Long‐Lasting Piperonyl Butoxide‐Treated Insecticidal Net and Indoor Residual Spray Interventions, Separately and Together, Against Malaria Transmitted by Pyrethroid‐Resistant Mosquitoes: A Cluster, Randomised Controlled, Two‐by‐Two Factorial Design Trial,” Lancet 391 (2018): 1577–1588.
J. O. Odero, I. H. Nambunga, J. P. Masalu, et al., “Genetic Markers Associated With the Widespread Insecticide Resistance in Malaria Vector Anopheles Funestus Populations Across Tanzania,” Parasites & Vectors 17 (2024): 230.
B. Kabula, Y. P. Mlacha, N. Serbantez, et al., “Pyrethroid‐Resistant Malaria Vector Anopheles gambiae Restored Susceptibility After Pre‐Exposure to Piperonyl‐Butoxide: Results From Country‐Wide Insecticide Resistance Monitoring in Tanzania, 2023,” Malaria Journal 23 (2024): 395.
L. A. Messenger, N. S. Matowo, C. L. Cross, et al., “Effects of Next‐Generation, Dual‐Active‐Ingredient, Long‐Lasting Insecticidal Net Deployment on Insecticide Resistance in Malaria Vectors in Tanzania: An Analysis of a 3‐Year, Cluster‐Randomised Controlled Trial,” Lancet. Planetary Health 7 (2023): e673–e683.
E. Kweka, A. Mahande, J. Ouma, et al., “Novel Indoor Residual Spray Insecticide With Extended Mortality Effect: A Case of SumiShield 50WG Against Wild Resistant Populations of Anopheles arabiensis in Northern Tanzania,” Global Health: Science and Practice 6 (2018): 758–765.
J. Matowo, D. Weetman, P. Pignatelli, et al., “Expression of Pyrethroid Metabolizing P450 Enzymes Characterizes Highly Resistant Anopheles Vector Species Targeted by Successful Deployment of PBO‐Treated Bednets in Tanzania,” PLoS One 17 (2022): e0249440.
W. N. Kisinza, T. E. Nkya, B. Kabula, et al., “Multiple Insecticide Resistance in Anopheles gambiae From Tanzania: A Major Concern for Malaria Vector Control,” Malaria Journal 16 (2017): 439.
M. J. Mohamed, D. J. Matiya, F. D. Chibwana, W. Kidima, A. M. Mahande, and E. J. Kweka, “The Comparative Performance of Klypson 500WG and 2GARD‐WP Sprayed on Different Wall Surfaces Against Anopheles gambiae s.l. in Lower Moshi, Northern Tanzania,” Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease 10 (2025): 63.
WHO, Standard Operating Procedure for Testing Insecticide Susceptibility of Adult Mosquitoes in WHO Tube Tests (World Health Organization, 2022).
W. G. Brogdon and A. Chan, “Guideline for Evaluating Insecticide Resistance in Vectors Using the CDC Bottle Bioassay,” 2012, https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/resources/pdf/fsp/ir_manual/ir_cdc_bioassay_en.pdf.
WHO, Global Technical Strategy for Malaria 2016‐2030, 2021 Update (World Health Organization, 2021).
WHO, Global Strategic Framework for Integrated Vector Management (World Health Organization, 2004).
National Malaria Control Programme, National Guideline for Integrated Malaria Vector Control (National Malaria Control Programme, 2016).
National Malaria Control Programme, Mid‐Term Review of the National Malaria Elimination Strategic Plan 2012–2018 (National Malaria Control Programme, 2015).
T. E. Nkya, R. Poupardin, F. Laporte, et al., “Impact of Agriculture on the Selection of Insecticide Resistance in the Malaria Vector Anopheles gambiae: A Multigenerational Study in Controlled Conditions,” Parasites & Vectors 7 (2014): 480.
S. A. Mapua, M. F. Finda, I. H. Nambunga, et al., “Addressing Key Gaps in Implementation of Mosquito Larviciding to Accelerate Malaria Vector Control in Southern Tanzania: Results of a Stakeholder Engagement Process in Local District Councils,” Malaria Journal 20 (2021): 123.
Contributed Indexing:
Keywords: Tanzania; insecticide resistance; insecticide resistance management; integrated vector management; scoping review
Substance Nomenclature:
0 (Insecticides)
Entry Date(s):
Date Created: 20251203 Date Completed: 20260204 Latest Revision: 20260204
Update Code:
20260204
DOI:
10.1111/tmi.70063
PMID:
41338608
Database:
MEDLINE
*Further Information*
*Introduction: Insecticide resistance in malaria vectors threatens the effectiveness of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS) in Tanzania. Understanding the evolution of insecticide resistance is essential for guiding vector control policy in Tanzania. This review synthesises evidence on resistance patterns, surveillance and management strategies to inform programmatic decisions.
Objective: To synthesise evidence on insecticide resistance patterns, mechanisms and management strategies in Tanzanian malaria vectors (2015-2024), and to highlight research and surveillance gaps.
Methods: A scoping review was conducted using the PRISMA-ScR framework. Articles were retrieved from multiple databases based on predetermined eligibility criteria. Data on resistance patterns, mechanisms, surveillance approaches and management strategies were extracted and synthesised.
Results: Of 910 identified records, ten met inclusion criteria. All studies applied WHO susceptibility bioassays, and several incorporated molecular or biochemical assays. Pyrethroid resistance was consistently reported, largely driven by knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations and metabolic mechanisms. DDT resistance was common, while moderate resistance to carbamates appeared in about half of the studies. Organophosphates, particularly pirimiphos-methyl, remained effective and new insecticides such as clothianidin and chlorfenapyr showed high efficacy with no resistance detected. Reported management strategies included pyrethroid-PBO LLINs and integrated vector management, although surveillance coverage and mechanistic profiling were inconsistent across sites.
Conclusion: Insecticide resistance is widespread in Tanzanian malaria vectors, with pyrethroids most affected. While new insecticides and management strategies show promise, gaps in surveillance and operational evidence limit effectiveness. Strengthened research capacity, sustained funding and cross-sectoral collaboration are essential to support evidence-based resistance management and protect malaria control gains.
(© 2025 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)*