Project Title: Strengthening Local Capacity for Malaria Surveillance and Elimination in Africa
Project Description: This project aims to strengthen local capacity for vector surveillance in Africa, starting with seven countries distributed in four PAMCA regional hubs with a high malaria burden and where PAMCA has either established chapters or is working with local research institutions. These are Burkina Faso and Nigeria in West Africa, Cameroon and Democratic Republic of Congo in Central Africa, Mozambique in Southern Africa and Tanzania and Uganda in East Africa. The project aims to build... This project aims to strengthen local capacity for vector surveillance in Africa, starting with seven countries distributed in four PAMCA regional hubs with a high malaria burden and where PAMCA has either established chapters or is working with local research institutions. These are Burkina Faso and Nigeria in West Africa, Cameroon and Democratic Republic of Congo in Central Africa, Mozambique in Southern Africa and Tanzania and Uganda in East Africa. The project aims to build a robust vector surveillance platform in Africa, link entomological research institutions to National Malaria Control Programs for data-driven decision-making, and build capacity for entomological surveillance. Once the model developed in these countries proves successful, it will be rolled out on the entire continent. IHI will be responsible for project activities and for all the training components of this grant in Tanzania. A detailed appraisal of existing vector surveillance systems and entomological databases, as well as organizations and institutions operating in vector surveillance in the country 1. Map out all stakeholders involved in vector surveillance in Tanzania and current linkages between NMCP, research institutions, and other organizations using entomology data. 2. Review of the vector surveillance systems in the country 3. Review of existing entomology databases within national malaria programs and other stakeholders in the target country (funders, NGOs, research institutes) Establish a collaboration agreement for data sharing and capacity-strengthening between NMCPs/MoHs and local research institutions 1. Formalize links between NMCPs/MoHs with local research institutions and other stakeholders collecting or using entomology data 2. Supporting design and deployment of effective mosquito sampling programs 3. Establish a mechanism to monitor data use for decision-making at NMCPs/MoH level 4. Work with NMCPs, research institutions, and other organizations active in entomological surveillance (WHO, PMI, NGOs, etc.) to standardize entomological data collection and improve the use of entomological surveillance systems to properly target, evaluate, and monitor vector control interventions. Improving training, capacity, mentorship, and collaboration for medical entomologists in Africa through work with regional centers of excellence and exchange programs (Careers in Malaria Elimination). 1. Design and deliver an innovative training program for district-level malaria control implementers, which combines practical malariology and multi-sectoral approaches so as to accelerate elimination efforts and sustain gains 2. (a) Establish an exchange program to train national program entomologists in East Africa (IHI-Tanzania), West Africa (IRSS-Burkina Faso) and Central Africa (CRID-Cameroon) at Masters, PhD and Post-doctoral levels, in order to gain relevant skills required for malaria elimination in different settings. (b) Develop and implement a program for aspiring young medical entomology professionals in the selected countries; as a way to ensure a sustainable future in disease control 3. Provide an on-demand training program for PAMCA partners in respective countries on a wide-range of subjects relevant to vector surveillance.
Principal Investigator : Fredros Okumu
Department Name : EHES
Time frame: (2020-01-02) - (2024-06-30)
Pan Africa Malaria Control Association (PAMCA) (Normal)
External Collaborating Partners
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