Browsing by Author "Bofu, Ramadhani"

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2

The needs and opportunities for housing improvement for malaria control in southern Tanzania
(BMC, 2023-02-27) Bofu, Ramadhani; Santos, Ellen; Msugupakulya, Betwel; Kahamba, Najat; Swilla, Joseph; Njalambaha, Rukiyah; Kelly, Ann; Lezaun, Javier; Christofides, Nicola; Okumu, Fredros; Finda, Marceline;
Background Malaria disproportionately afects low-income households in rural communities where poor housing is common. Despite evidence that well-constructed and mosquito-proofed houses can reduce malaria risk, housing improvement is rarely included in malaria control toolboxes. This study assessed the need, magnitude, and opportuni ties for housing improvement to control malaria in rural Tanzania. Methods A mixed-methods study was conducted in 19 villages across four district councils in southern Tanzania. A structured survey was administered to 1292 community members to assess need, perceptions, and opportunities for housing improvement for malaria control. Direct observations of 802 houses and surrounding environments were done to identify the actual needs and opportunities, and to validate the survey fndings. A market survey was done to assess availability and cost of resources and services necessary for mosquito-proofng homes. Focus group discussions were conducted with key stakeholders to explore insights on the potential and challenges of housing improvement as a malaria intervention. Results Compared to other methods for malaria control, housing improvement was among the best understood and most preferred by community members. Of the 735 survey respondents who needed housing improvements, a majority needed window screening (91.1%), repairs of holes in walls (79.4%), door covers (41.6%), closing of eave spaces (31.2%) and better roofs (19.0%). Community members invested signifcant eforts to improve their own homes against malaria and other dangers, but these eforts were often slow and delayed due to high costs and limited household incomes. Study participants suggested several mechanisms of support to improve their homes, including government loans and subsidies. Conclusion Addressing the need for housing improvement is a critical component of malaria control eforts in southern Tanzania. In this study, a majority of the community members surveyed needed modest modifcations and had plans to work on those modifcations. Without additional support, their eforts were however generally slow; households would take years to sufciently mosquito-proof their houses. It is, therefore, crucial to bring together the key players across sectors to reduce barriers in malaria-proofng housing in endemic settings. These may include government subsidies or partnerships with businesses to make housing improvement more accessible and afordable to residents.
Perspectives of men and women working in vector control in Africa regarding barriers and opportunities for achieving gender inclusivity
(BMC, 2025-05-11) Ampuriire, Patience; Bofu, Ramadhani; Msugupakulya, Betwel; Mponzi, Winifrida; Matoke-Muhia, Damaris; Finda, Marceline; Okumu, Fredros
Background Gender-inclusive strategies are crucial for tackling vector-borne diseases in Africa, but most programs still overlook the lived experiences of local practitioners regarding cultural norms, power imbalances, gender stereotypes, and workplace dynamics. This study investigated the gender-related perspectives of men and women working in vector control in Africa and their recommendations for effective gender inclusivity. Methods An exploratory mixed-methods study was conducted, starting in Tanzania with 22 in-depth interviews with team leaders, seven focus group discussions with scientists and vector control practitioners and two group discussions with vector control students. This was followed by an online survey of 150 researchers, academics, technicians, students, and vector-control staff from 16 African countries. Data on gender distribution, inclusivity, divergent male–female perspectives, and related experiences, including sexual harassment, were analysed thematically for qualitative responses and descriptively for survey responses. Results The study revealed significant gender disparities in staffing and leadership of vector control programmes in Africa, with 70.3% of men and only 40.7% of women having held leadership roles. Men occupied most vector-control roles, except in acadaemia where parity is maintained until master's degree level but biased towards men at PhD levels. Marriage weighed more heavily on women, with 44.1% of female staff remaining unmarried, compared to only 18.7% of men. Most respondents said mixed-gender teams strengthen community engagement, but they differed on effects for creativity, cost and morale, with some insisting that merit alone matters, while others seeing diversity as essential for better results. Women were more likely than men to dismiss the claims that inclusivity is ineffective or disruptive. Challenges to gender inclusivity included cultural norms limiting women's participation in overnight fieldwork, work-family pressures, and scant workplace accommodations. Men recognized the benefits of working with women but noted challenges related to societal expectations and workplace accommodations. Majority of participants (84.1%) reported had never experienced gender-based violence, but women were more likely than men to report sexual harassment. Over half of respondents believed their manager's gender significantly impacted their work environment; and some women preferred female leaders for relatability and support, while others were indifferent. Conclusion The study reveals wide gender gaps in African vector-control staffing and leadership and provides key insights for stakeholders to develop fairer workplace practices. Although the value of inclusivity is broadly recognized, cultural norms, family demands, and social expectations still weigh more heavily on women. These challenges can be addressed by incorporating a gender lens considering the perspectives of both men and women in vector control.