Bold Science. African-Led. Impact-Driven
Overview
The DuraNet® Plus Durability Study is a major multi-country operational research project evaluating the long-term physical and insecticidal durability of DuraNet® Plus—a WHO-prequalified long-lasting insecticidal net (LLIN) that combines alpha-cypermethrin and piperonyl butoxide (PBO) to improve protection against pyrethroid-resistant malaria vectors.
Project Description
The DuraNet® Plus Durability Study is a major multi-country operational research project evaluating the long-term physical and insecticidal durability of DuraNet® Plus—a WHO-prequalified long-lasting insecticidal net (LLIN) that combines alpha-cypermethrin and piperonyl butoxide (PBO) to improve protection against pyrethroid-resistant malaria vectors.
The study is conducted across Benin, Cameroon, and Tanzania, representing diverse malaria transmission settings in West, Central, and East Africa. It compares the performance of DuraNet® Plus to a standard pyrethroid-only LLIN (DuraNet®) over a three-year period of household use.
Principal Investigator
Dr Corine Ngufor
Role of AIRID
AIRID is a core partner in this multi-country study, contributing to field implementation, entomological evaluations, and cross-site coordination. The experimental hut trials in Benin—used to assess bioefficacy under natural conditions—are conducted at AIRID’s Semi-Field Station in Covè.
Lead Partner
PAMVERC-BENIN (Pan-African Malaria Vector Research Consortium) serves as the lead partner, coordinating study design, data quality assurance, and overall project implementation across countries.
Study Objectives
- Assess net attrition, fabric integrity, insecticidal content, and bioefficacy over time
- Compare the durability and effectiveness of DuraNet® Plus to conventional pyrethroid-only LLINs
- Monitor PBO performance against resistant mosquito populations
- Provide high-quality evidence to guide procurement and policy decisions at national and global levels
Evaluation Components
- Household surveys to monitor net usage, wear-and-tear, and user acceptability
- Chemical analysis and bioassays to assess active ingredient content and mosquito knockdown
- Experimental hut trials with free-flying resistant mosquitoes
- Qualitative research on user perception and behaviour
Study Locations
- Benin – Zakpota District
- Cameroon – Mbalmayo District
- Tanzania – Muheza District
Each country includes approximately 1,800 households, with two follow-up cohorts (non-destructive and destructive sampling) monitored over 36 months.
Project Partners
- Pan-African Malaria Vector Research Consortium PAMVERC-BENIN (Lead)
- African Institute for Research in Infectious Diseases (AIRID)
- Centre de Recherche Entomologique de Cotonou (CREC), Benin
- Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), Cameroon
- National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), Tanzania
- Shobikaa Impex Pvt. Ltd. (Product manufacturer and funder)
Timeline
2023–2025 – Ongoing follow-up and data collection
Final results expected by late 2025
