A Policy Analysis of Insecticide-Treated Durable Wall Linings for Malaria Control in the Tanzanian Sahel, 2003

Malaria remains a significant public health burden in the Sahel region of Tanzania. Conventional interventions like insecticide-treated nets and indoor residual spraying face operational challenges in areas with prevalent semi-permanent housing. Insecticide-treated durable wall linings emerged as a potential supplementary tool, necessitating analysis of its policy adoption. This analysis examines the process and factors influencing the adoption of insecticide-treated durable wall linings for malaria control in the Tanzanian Sahel. It identifies key stakeholders, drivers, barriers, and the contextual rationale behind the policy decision. A qualitative policy analysis was conducted using a case study design. Data were drawn from a review of policy documents, programme reports, and grey literature. This was supplemented by a thematic analysis of key informant interviews with national and district-level policymakers, implementing partners, and technical advisors. Policy adoption was driven by compelling evidence of efficacy from pilot studies showing reduced mosquito densities. A principal barrier was the perceived high initial cost relative to standard nets. Stakeholders emphasised the linings’ strategic value as a long-lasting intervention suited to local housing, but concerns regarding supply chain sustainability persisted. The adoption of insecticide-treated wall linings constituted a targeted response to a specific ecological and architectural context. While technically sound, its sustained integration into national malaria control programmes depends on resolving the identified economic and logistical constraints. Future policy for novel vector control tools should integrate context-specific cost-effectiveness analyses and detailed implementation planning from the outset. Strengthening community engagement and ensuring parallel investment in supply chain infrastructure are critical for sustainable deployment. malaria control, policy analysis, insecticide-treated materials, durable wall lining, vector control, Tanzania, Sahel. This analysis provides a structured examination of the policy adoption process for a context-specific malaria intervention, offering insights for policymakers considering supplementary tools in similar settings.