Digital Insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) mass distribution campaign in the particular context of covid-19 pandemic in Benin: lessons learned and challenges.

Abstract Background: In 2020, Benin has implemented a digital Insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) mass distribution campaign in the particular context of covid-19 pandemic and then, offered important lessons to share. This paper aims to describe the implementation process as well as the lessons learned and challenges from this campaign. Methods: A descriptive design was used for reporting the planning and implementation process of ITNs campaign. Moreover, the changes and adaptations related to covid-19 pandemic are well described. Results: A total of 3,175,773 households were registered corresponding to a total of 14,423,998 persons (13.55% more from projection). Moreover, 94.16 % (13,581,637 people) of enumerated population were protected. A total of 7,652,166 ITNs were distributed countrywide.Conclusions: High political commitment, engagement and support add to the financial and technical supports from partners were the essential factors that make 2020 ITNs mass campaign success in Benin despite the particular context of COVID-19 pandemic. It is essential to maintain the prevention activities for malaria and this could substantially reduce the overall impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the populations at malaria risk.