Bibliographic information

GuidelineWHO guidelines for malaria, 13 August 2025
Year of Publication2025
Issuing InstitutionWorld Health Organization

Recommendation

New

The deployment of topical repellents in areas with ongoing malaria transmission is not recommended if the aim is to prevent and control malaria at the community level.

Recommended against

Conditional

Notes and Remarks

Remarks The panel recommended against the implementation of topical repellents if the main aim is to control malaria at the community level, given the lack of evidence of significant impact. To achieve community-level impact, it is likely that a high level of individual compliance would be needed. The panel noted that topical repellents may, however, offer protection for individuals and for highrisk groups who do not benefit from other vector control interventions; however, studies demonstrating impact against malaria at the individual level or in specific risk groups are required to support a formal recommendation.