We evaluated the effectiveness of a community-based intervention for dengue vector control in Ouagadougou, the capital city of Burkina Faso. Households in the intervention (n = 287) and control (n = 289) neighborhoods were randomly sampled and the outcomes collected before the intervention (October 2015) and after the intervention (October 2016). The intervention reduced residents’ exposure to dengue vector bites (vector saliva biomarker difference −0.08 [95% CI −0.11 to −0.04]). The pupae index declined in the intervention neighborhood (from 162.14 to 99.03) and increased in the control neighborhood (from 218.72 to 255.67). Residents in the intervention neighborhood were less likely to associate dengue with malaria (risk ratio 0.70 [95% CI 0.58–0.84]) and had increased knowledge about dengue symptoms (risk ratio 1.44 [95% CI 1.22–1.69]). Our study showed that well-planned, evidence/community-based interventions that control exposure to dengue vectors are feasible and effective in urban settings in Africa that have limited resources.

BackgroundWhile malaria control is the primary health focus in Burkina Faso, the recent dengue epidemic calls for new interventions. This paper examines the implementation fidelity of an innovative intervention to control dengue in the capital Ouagadougou.MethodsFirst we describe the content of the intervention and its theory. We then assess the fidelity of the implementation. This step is essential as preparation for subsequent evaluation of the intervention’s effectiveness. Observations (n = 62), analysis of documents related to the intervention (n = 8), and semi-structured interviews with stakeholders (n = 18) were conducted. The collected data were organized and analyzed using QDA Miner. The theory of the intervention, grounded in reported good practices of community-based interventions, was developed and discussed with key stakeholders.ResultsThe theory of the intervention included four components: mobilization and organization, operational planning, community action, and monitoring/evaluation. The interactions among these components were intended to improve people’s knowledge about dengue and enhance the community’s capacity for vector control, which in turn would reduce the burden of the disease. The majority of the planned activities were conducted according to the intervention’s original theory. Adaptations pertained to implementation and monitoring of activities.ConclusionsDespite certain difficulties, some of which were foreseeable and others not, this experience showed the feasibility of developing community-based interventions for vector-borne diseases in Africa.

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