Recommendations for building out mosquito-transmitted diseases in sub-Saharan Africa: the DELIVER mnemonic.

In sub-Saharan Africa, most transmission of mosquito-transmitted diseases, such as malaria or dengue, occurs within or around houses. Preventing mosquito house entry and reducing mosquito production around the home would help reduce the transmission of these diseases. Based on recent research, we make key recommendations for reducing the threat of mosquito-transmitted diseases through changes to the built environment. The mnemonic, , recommends the following best practices: (i) oors should be screened, self-closing and without surrounding gaps; (ii) aves, the space between the wall and roof, should be closed or screened; (iii) houses should be ifted above the ground; (iv) nsecticide-treated nets should be used when sleeping in houses at night; (v) houses should be entilated, with at least two large-screened windows to facilitate airflow; (vi) nvironmental management should be conducted regularly inside and around the home; and (vii) oofs should be solid, rather than thatch. is a package of interventions to be used in combination for maximum impact. Simple changes to the built environment will reduce exposure to mosquito-transmitted diseases and help keep regions free from these diseases after elimination. This article is part of the theme issue 'Novel control strategies for mosquito-borne diseases'.