6.2.7  Insecticide resistance in vectors

In Study Sessions 9, 10 and 11, you will learn how some insect-killing chemicals (insecticides) are used to kill mosquitoes and protect communities from mosquito bites. No (or low numbers of) mosquito bites mean no or less risk of malaria. However, after repeated application of these chemicals, the mosquitoes develop insecticide resistance, which means that they are no longer killed by the insecticides. This means a large number of mosquitoes will survive in the community, and the risk of malaria infections rises and many people can be affected.