The purpose of the Vector Control Working Group (VCWG) is to align RBM partners on best practices to reach and maintain universal coverage with effective vector control interventions.
Co-Chairs
Dr Corine Ngufor LSHTM/CREC, UK & Benin
Mr Justin McBeath IVCC, United Kingdom
Working Group Secretariat
Dr Konstantina Boutsika Swiss TPH, Switzerland
Work Streams
- Enhancing Impact of Core Interventions
- Expanding the Vector Control Toolbox
- Implementing the Global Vector Control Response
Global Vector Control Response to invasive Anopheles stephensi: Consensus Statement (Click to see)
The RBM Vector Control Working Group (VCWG) and Multi-Sectoral Working Group (MSWG) are pleased to issue a joint consensus statement on the Global Vector Control Response to invasive Anopheles stephensi. In the past decade, the malaria vector An. stephensi has spread to Africa and Sri Lanka and there are concerns about its impact on malaria transmission. Urgent efforts are needed to prevent further spread and reduce the impact of An. stephensi where it now exists. With this Consensus Statement, the RBM VCWG and MSWG seek to complement the work of WHO, UN-Habitat and others by facilitating the exchange of knowledge and best practices to address this invasive species to build a common understanding and identify gaps in our collective response. The RBM Working Groups and their diverse membership of malaria control programmes, representatives of other ministries, the private sector, implementing partners, and research and academic organisations stand ready to contribute to this fight.
The VCWG-18 meeting in Accra, Ghana, was successfully held
We are pleased to announce that the RBM VCWG-18 annual meeting was held in Accra, Ghana, for the first time in an African country!! The documentation of the meeting is posted here.
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Rationale
Vector control has been shown to achieve quick and remarkable reductions in malaria transmission in many eco-epidemiological settings. It remains key to achieving malaria elimination.
The 2021 WHO World Malaria Report illustrated a decline in the gains against malaria; there were 241 million cases and ca. 627 000 deaths in 2020 (an increase from preceding years). Several factors contributed to this, including, but not limited to; insecticide resistance in vector mosquitoes, limitations around financial support, gaps in the vector control toolbox and challenges for National Programs to meet the needs of entomological monitoring with scarce resources available. There is an urgent need for innovation and new tools to expand the current intervention paradigms and increase opportunities for more cost-effective and sustainable vector control.
The VCWG therefore promotes basic research and development into new tools, and the translation of vector control priorities into operational research, combining the input of its constituent national and international academia/research and private sector development partners. Through increased collaboration with Regional Networks the VCWG ensures that their specific needs are fully considered in deliberations on global malaria strategies.
Within a resource constrained environment, knowledge sharing is key. The diversity of the VCWG membership allows for rich dialogue and mutual learning for the development of more robust and adaptive responses to challenges associated with enhancing the impact of core interventions (ITNs and IRS), expanding the vector control toolbox and implementing the WHO Global Vector Control Response. The VCWG provides a forum where all the partners from country programs, international organisations, academia, the private sector and others, can come together to build consensus on the challenges, gaps and opportunities in vector control.
Functions of the Working Group
The VCWG has a role to support the implementation of Vector Control Guidance generated by WHO and to galvanise efforts towards achieving specific country and global malaria elimination targets.
The working group does that through the following specific activities:
Convene: VCWG convenes meetings, workshops, and other forums to develop consensus among stakeholders through adaptation and implementation of WHO norms and standards and to share innovations and experiences.
Co-ordinate: VCWG supports and co-ordinates dialogue between national programs, product manufacturers, academia and implementers to understand each other’s needs, find innovative solutions and stimulate appropriate research and development.
Facilitate Communication: VCWG has a very diverse membership, and our annual meetings and Workstream Task Teams provide unique opportunities for connection and networking around specific areas of interest. VCWG also works with other RBM Working Groups and Partner Committees, as appropriate, to provide detailed input on vector control related topics.
For further information, please refer to the VCWG Revised Terms of Reference adopted in April 2018 following the 9th RBM Partnership Board meeting. The governance and management of the group follows the Working Group Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).