Vector control
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
Working Group Secretariat
Dr Konstantina Boutsika Swiss TPH, Switzerland
17th annual meeting of the Vector Control Working Group
We are looking back to a very successful annual meeting of the VCWG. Over 300 attendees joined the 5 virtual sessions (3 March, 10 March, 3 May, 4 May, 5 May).
The meeting recordings and presentation slides are uploaded here.
This is the first restructure of the Vector Control Working Group in five years!
The decision to restructure the VCWG work streams has been as a result of both a need to revitalize certain activities and after receiving valuable feedback from VCWG members after the last two annual meetings. We have therefore taken the opportunity to capitalize on streamlining of related activities, focus energies on priorities and try to support the delivery of tangible outcomes supporting the needs of the malaria vector control community, completed with a specific Focus Group on Vector Control for Humanitarian Emergencies. Read more
The Working Group will now be based around three primary work streams, within which core themes will be addressed, as shown below under 'VCWG work streams'.
A matrix describing the new work stream structure is here.
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- Enhancing Impact of Core Interventions
- Expanding the Vector Control Toolbox
- Implementing the Global Vector Control Response
- Until 2020 - IRS IRM Priorities
- Until 2020 - LLIN Priorities
- Until 2020 - Larval Source Management
- Until 2020 - New Tools, New Challenges in Vector Control
- Until 2020 - IVM, Evidence and Capacity
- Until 2020 - VBDs and Built Environment
- Until 2015 – Insecticide Resistance
- Until 2015 – Outdoor/Residual Malaria Transmission
- Until 2015 – Continuous LLIN Distribution Systems
- Until 2015 – Durability of LLINs in the Field
- Until 2015 – Capacity Building for IRS
- Until 2015 – Optimizing Evidence for Vector Control Interventions
- Until 2015 – Entomological Monitoring and Integrated Vector Management (IVM)
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).
