Roll back malaria programme focused mainly on –
**Core Concept**
The Roll Back Malaria (RBM) programme is a global partnership that aims to reduce the burden of malaria worldwide. It focuses on improving access to effective treatment, preventing malaria through the use of insecticide-treated bed nets, and promoting integrated vector management.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The RBM programme places significant emphasis on the use of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) as a key strategy for preventing malaria. ITNs work by releasing a small amount of insecticide that kills or repels mosquitoes, thereby reducing the risk of malaria transmission. The programme also focuses on improving access to effective treatment, such as artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), and promoting integrated vector management, including the use of indoor residual spraying (IRS) and larval control.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because while antimalarial drugs are an essential component of malaria control, they are not the primary focus of the RBM programme.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because while bed nets are an important tool for preventing malaria, the RBM programme places more emphasis on the use of insecticide-treated bed nets.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because while indoor residual spraying (IRS) is an important component of integrated vector management, it is not the primary focus of the RBM programme.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
One key strategy of the RBM programme is to promote the use of insecticide-treated bed nets, which can reduce the risk of malaria transmission by up to 90%. This highlights the importance of ITNs in preventing malaria, particularly in areas with high transmission rates.
**Correct Answer:** C. Improving access to effective treatment and promoting integrated vector management.