scholarly journals Nextgen Vector Surveillance Tools: sensitive, specific, cost-effective and epidemiologically relevant

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Farlow ◽  
Tanya L Russell ◽  
Thomas R Burkot
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Vector Control ◽  
Malaria Control ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Next Generation ◽  
Vector Data ◽  
Vector Surveillance ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
Current Vector

Abstract Background Vector surveillance provides critical data for decision-making to ensure that malaria control programs remain effective and responsive to any threats to a successful control and elimination program. The quality and quantity of data collected is dependent on the sampling tools and laboratory techniques used which may lack the sensitivity required to collect relevant data for decision-making. Here, 40 vector control experts were interviewed to assess the benefits and limitations of the current vector surveillance tools and techniques. In addition, experts shared ideas on “blue sky” indicators which encompassed ideas for novel methods to monitor presently used indicators, or to measure novel vector behaviours not presently measured. Algorithms for deploying surveillance tools and priorities for understanding vector behaviours are also needed for collecting and interpreting vector data. Results. The available tools for sampling and analysing vectors are often hampered by high labour and resource requirements (human and supplies) coupled with high outlay and operating costs and variable tool performance across species and geographic regions vector. The next generation of surveillance tools needs to address the limitations of our present tools by being more sensitive, specific and less costly to deploy to enable the collection and use of epidemiologically relevant vector data to facilitate more proactive vector control guidance. Ideas and attributes for Target Product Profiles (TPPs) generated from this analysis provide targets for research and funding to develop next generation tools.Conclusions. More efficient surveillance tools and a more complete understanding of vector behaviours and populations will provide a basis for more cost effective and successful malaria control. Understanding the vectors’ behaviours will allow interventions to be deployed that target vulnerabilities in vector behaviours and thus enable more effective control. Through defining the strengths and weaknesses of the current vector surveillance methods, a foundation and initial framework was provided to define the TPPS for the next generation of vector surveillance methods. The draft TTPs presented here aim to ensure that the next generation tools and technologies are not encumbered by the limitations of our present surveillance methods and can be readily deployed in low resource settings.

scholarly journals Nextgen Vector Surveillance Tools: Sensitive, Specific, Cost-effective and Epidemiologically Relevant

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Farlow ◽  
Tanya Russell ◽  
Tom Burkot
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Vector Control ◽  
Malaria Control ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Next Generation ◽  
Vector Data ◽  
Vector Surveillance ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
Current Vector

Abstract Background Vector surveillance provides critical data for decision-making to ensure that malaria control programs remain effective and responsive to any threats to effectiveness. The quality and quantity of is dependent on the sampling tools and laboratory techniques used which may lack the sensitivity required to collect relevant data for decision-making. Here, 40 vector control experts were interviewed to assess the benefits and limitations of the current vector surveillance tools and techniques. In addition, experts shared ideas on “blue sky” indicators which encompassed ideas for novel methods to monitor presently used indicators, to measure novel vector behaviours not presently measured, algorithms for deploying surveillance tools and priorities for understanding vector behaviours critical for collecting and interpreting vector data. Results. The available tools for sampling and analysing vectors are often hampered by high labour and resource requirements (human and supplies) coupled with high outlay and operating costs and variable tool performance across species and geographic regions vector. The next generation of surveillance tools needs to address the limitations of our present tools by being more sensitive, specific and less costly to deploy to enable the collection and use of epidemiologically relevant vector data to facilitate more proactive vector control guidance. Ideas and attributes for Target Product Profiles (TPPs) generated from this analysis provide targets for research and funding to develop next generation tools.Conclusions. More efficient surveillance tools and a more complete understanding of vector behaviours and populations will provide a basis for more cost effective and successful malaria control by better enabling intervention to be selected that align with vulnerabilities in vector behaviours and thus enable more effective control. Through defining the strengths and weaknesses of the current vector surveillance methods, a foundation and initial framework was provided to define the TPPS for the next generation of vector surveillance methods. The TTPs presented here aim to ensure that the next generation tools and technologies are not encumbered by the limitations of our present surveillance methods, and can be readily deployed in low resource settings.

scholarly journals Nextgen Vector Surveillance Tools: sensitive, specific, cost-effective and epidemiologically relevant

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Farlow ◽  
Tanya L. Russell ◽  
Thomas R. Burkot
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Vector Control ◽  
Malaria Control ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Next Generation ◽  
Vector Data ◽  
Vector Surveillance ◽  
Current Vector ◽  
Control Programmes

Abstract Background Vector surveillance provides critical data for decision-making to ensure that malaria control programmes remain effective and responsive to any threats to a successful control and elimination programme. The quality and quantity of data collected is dependent on the sampling tools and laboratory techniques used which may lack the sensitivity required to collect relevant data for decision-making. Here, 40 vector control experts were interviewed to assess the benefits and limitations of the current vector surveillance tools and techniques. In addition, experts shared ideas on “blue sky” indicators which encompassed ideas for novel methods to monitor presently used indicators, or to measure novel vector behaviours not presently measured. Algorithms for deploying surveillance tools and priorities for understanding vector behaviours are also needed for collecting and interpreting vector data. Results The available tools for sampling and analysing vectors are often hampered by high labour and resource requirements (human and supplies) coupled with high outlay and operating costs and variable tool performance across species and geographic regions. The next generation of surveillance tools needs to address the limitations of present tools by being more sensitive, specific and less costly to deploy to enable the collection and use of epidemiologically relevant vector data to facilitate more proactive vector control guidance. Ideas and attributes for Target Product Profiles (TPPs) generated from this analysis provide targets for research and funding to develop next generation tools. Conclusions More efficient surveillance tools and a more complete understanding of vector behaviours and populations will provide a basis for more cost effective and successful malaria control. Understanding the vectors’ behaviours will allow interventions to be deployed that target vulnerabilities in vector behaviours and thus enable more effective control. Through defining the strengths and weaknesses of the current vector surveillance methods, a foundation and initial framework was provided to define the TPPs for the next generation of vector surveillance methods. The draft TTPs presented here aim to ensure that the next generation tools and technologies are not encumbered by the limitations of present surveillance methods and can be readily deployed in low resource settings.

scholarly journals A global analysis of National Malaria Control Programme vector surveillance by elimination and control status in 2018

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas R. Burkot ◽  
Robert Farlow ◽  
Myo Min ◽  
Effie Espino ◽  
Abraham Mnzava ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Insecticide Resistance ◽  
Vector Control ◽  
Malaria Control ◽  
Resistance Management ◽  
World Health ◽  
Vector Data ◽  
Vector Surveillance ◽  
Priority Vector ◽  
Insecticide Resistance Management ◽  
And Control

Abstract Background Maintaining the effectiveness of the currently recommended malaria vector control interventions while integrating new interventions will require monitoring key recommended indicators to identify threats to effectiveness including physiological and behavioural resistance to insecticides. Methods Country metadata on vector surveillance and control activities was collected using an online survey by National Malaria Control Programmes or partner organization officials. Country and regional surveillance activities were analysed for alignment with indicators for priority vector surveillance objectives recommended by the World Health Organization. Surveillance activities were also compared for countries in the E2020 (eliminating countries) and countries with more intense transmission. Results Significant differences in monitoring priority vector indicators between Africa and Asia-Pacific country programmes were found as well as differences between countries approaching elimination and those controlling malaria. Gaps were found between vector data collected and country management strategies (i.e., for insecticide resistance management and integrated vector control strategies) and for making programmatic decisions on surveillance and control using vector surveillance data. Conclusions Significant opportunities exist for increasing vector data collection on priority indicators and using these data for national programmatic decisions for both proactive insecticide resistance management and enhancing vector control.

scholarly journals Vector-Focused Approaches to Curb Malaria Transmission in the Brazilian Amazon: An Overview of Current and Future Challenges and Strategies

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 161
Author(s):  
Elerson Matos Rocha ◽  
Ricardo de Melo Katak ◽  
Juan Campos de Oliveira ◽  
Maisa da Silva Araujo ◽  
Bianca Cechetto Carlos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vector Control ◽  
Malaria Transmission ◽  
Malaria Control ◽  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Brazilian Amazon ◽  
Malaria Vectors ◽  
Anopheles Darlingi ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
Ecological Features ◽  
Substantial Progress

In Brazil, malaria transmission is mostly confined to the Amazon, where substantial progress has been made towards disease control in the past decade. Vector control has been historically considered a fundamental part of the main malaria control programs implemented in Brazil. However, the conventional vector-control tools have been insufficient to control or eliminate local vector populations due to the complexity of the Amazonian rainforest environment and ecological features of malaria vector species in the Amazon, especially Anopheles darlingi. Malaria elimination in Brazil and worldwide eradication will require a combination of conventional and new approaches that takes into account the regional specificities of vector populations and malaria transmission dynamics. Here we present an overview on both conventional and novel promising vector-focused tools to curb malaria transmission in the Brazilian Amazon. If well designed and employed, vector-based approaches may improve the implementation of malaria-control programs, particularly in remote or difficult-to-access areas and in regions where existing interventions have been unable to eliminate disease transmission. However, much effort still has to be put into research expanding the knowledge of neotropical malaria vectors to set the steppingstones for the optimization of conventional and development of innovative vector-control tools.

scholarly journals Designing effective control of dengue with combined interventions

2020 ◽  
Vol 117 (6) ◽  
pp. 3319-3325 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas J. Hladish ◽  
Carl A. B. Pearson ◽  
Kok Ben Toh ◽  
Diana Patricia Rojas ◽  
Pablo Manrique-Saide ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vector Control ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Vaccination Campaign ◽  
Indoor Residual Spraying ◽  
World Health ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Management Options ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
Resource Limitations ◽  
Health Organization

Viruses transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya, have expanding ranges and seem unabated by current vector control programs. Effective control of these pathogens likely requires integrated approaches. We evaluated dengue management options in an endemic setting that combine novel vector control and vaccination using an agent-based model for Yucatán, Mexico, fit to 37 y of data. Our intervention models are informed by targeted indoor residual spraying (TIRS) experiments; trial outcomes and World Health Organization (WHO) testing guidance for the only licensed dengue vaccine, CYD-TDV; and preliminary results for in-development vaccines. We evaluated several implementation options, including varying coverage levels; staggered introductions; and a one-time, large-scale vaccination campaign. We found that CYD-TDV and TIRS interfere: while the combination outperforms either alone, performance is lower than estimated from their separate benefits. The conventional model hypothesized for in-development vaccines, however, performs synergistically with TIRS, amplifying effectiveness well beyond their independent impacts. If the preliminary performance by either of the in-development vaccines is upheld, a one-time, large-scale campaign followed by routine vaccination alongside aggressive new vector control could enable short-term elimination, with nearly all cases avoided for a decade despite continuous dengue reintroductions. If elimination is impracticable due to resource limitations, less ambitious implementations of this combination still produce amplified, longer-lasting effectiveness over single-approach interventions.

scholarly journals Controlling sleeping sickness – a review

Parasitology ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 136 (14) ◽  
pp. 1943-1949 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. C. WELBURN ◽  
I. MAUDLIN ◽  
P. P. SIMARRO
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Vector Control ◽  
Financial Support ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Sleeping Sickness ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Surveillance Systems ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Sub Saharan

SUMMARYFollowing a period characterized by severe epidemics of sleeping sickness, restoration of effective control and surveillance systems has raised the question of eliminating the disease from sub-Saharan Africa. Given sufficient political and financial support, elimination is now considered a reasonable aim in countries reporting zero or less than 100 cases per year. This success may lead health authorities across the affected region to downgrade the disease from ‘neglected’ to simply being ignored. In view of the significant levels of under-reporting of sleeping sickness mortality in rural communities, this could be a short-sighted policy. Loss of capacity to deal with new epidemics, which can arise as a consequence of loss of commitment or civil upheaval, would have serious consequences. The present period should be seen as a clear opportunity for public-private partnerships to develop simpler and more cost-effective tools and strategies for sustainable sleeping sickness control and surveillance, including diagnostics, treatment and vector control.

scholarly journals MALAREO: a user-driven project

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael T. Gebreslasie ◽  
Ides Bauwens
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Vector Control ◽  
Malaria Vector ◽  
Malaria Control ◽  
Spatial Epidemiology ◽  
Earth Observation ◽  
Malaria Vector Control ◽  
Mosquito Vector ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
Control And Management

The aim of this study is to assess the capacity gaps and requirements of Earth observation (EO) and related technologies for malaria vector control and management in the Lubombo Spatial Development Initiative regions of South Africa, Swaziland and Mozambique. In order to achieve the core objective of this study, available EO data (including main characteristics and resources required to utilize them) and their potential applications for malaria epidemiology are reviewed. In addition, a survey was conducted to assess the availability of human and facility resources to operate EO and related technologies for control and management of the malaria control programs in these countries resulting in an analysis of capacity gaps, priorities and requirements. Earth observation in malaria vector control and management has two different applications: i) collection of relevant remotely sensed data for epidemiological use; and ii) direct support of ongoing malaria vector control activities. All malaria control programs and institutions recognize the significance of EO products to detect mosquito vector habitats, to monitor environmental parameters affecting mosquito vector populations as well as house mapping and distribution of information supporting residual spray planning and monitoring. It was found that only the malaria research unit (MRU) of the medical research council (MRC) in South Africa and the national malaria control program (MCP) in Swaziland currently have a fully functional geographic information systems (GIS), whereas the other surveyed MCPs in South Africa and Mozambique currently do not have this in place. Earth observation skills only exist in MRU of MRC, while spatial epidemiology is scarce in all institutions, which was identified as major gap. The survey has also confirmed that EO and GIS technologies have enormous potential as sources of spatial data and as analytical frameworks for malaria vector control. It is therefore evident that planning and management require capacity building with respect to GIS, EO and spatial epidemiology.

scholarly journals Neglected Urban Villages in Current Vector Surveillance System: Evidences in Guangzhou, China

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 2
Author(s):  
Sijia Wu ◽  
Hongyan Ren ◽  
Wenhui Chen ◽  
Tiegang Li
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Surveillance System ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Adult Density ◽  
Vector Surveillance ◽  
Vector Density ◽  
Current Vector ◽  
Land Use Types ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
Urban Villages

Numerous urban villages (UVs) with substandard living conditions that cause people to live there with vulnerability to health impacts, including vector-borne diseases such as dengue fever (DF), are major environmental and public health concerns in highly urbanized regions, especially in developing countries. It is necessary to explore the relationship between UVs and vector for effectively dealing with these problems. In this study, land-use types, including UVs, normal construction land (NCL), unused land (UL), vegetation, and water, were retrieved from the high-resolution remotely sensed imagery in the central area of Guangzhou in 2017. The vector density from May to October in 2017, including Aedes. albopictus (Ae. albopictus)’s Breteau index (BI), standard space index (SSI), and adult density index (ADI) were obtained from the vector surveillance system implemented by the Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Furthermore, the spatial and temporal patterns of vector monitoring sites and vector density were analyzed on a fine scale, and then the Geodetector tool was further employed to explore the relationships between vector density and land-use types. The monitoring sites were mainly located in NCL (55.70%–56.44%) and UV (13.14%–13.92%). Among the total monitoring sites of BI (79), SSI (312), and ADI (326), the random sites accounted for about 88.61%, 97.12%, and 98.47%, respectively. The density of Ae. albopictus was temporally related to rainfall and temperature and was obviously differentiated among different land-use types. Meanwhile, the grids with higher density, which were mostly concentrated in the Pearl River fork zone that collects a large number of UVs, showed that the density of Ae. albopictus was spatially associated with the UVs. Next, the results of the Geodetector illustrated that UVs posed great impact on the density of Ae. albopictus across the central region of Guangzhou. We suggest that the number of monitoring sites in the UVs should be appropriately increased to strengthen the current vector surveillance system in Guangzhou. This study will provide targeted guidance for local authorities, making more effective control and prevention measures on the DF epidemics.

scholarly journals Capacity of National Malaria Control Programs to implement vector surveillance: A global analysis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanya L Russell ◽  
Robert Farlow ◽  
Myo Min ◽  
Effie Espino ◽  
Abraham Mnzava ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Malaria Control ◽  
Global Analysis ◽  
Indoor Residual Spraying ◽  
Vector Surveillance ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
Strategic Plans ◽  
Core Elements ◽  
Surveillance Programs ◽  
And Control ◽  
Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets

Abstract Background: Solving the problem of malaria requires a highly skilled workforce with robust infrastructure, financial backing and sound program management coordinated by a strategic plan. Here the capacity of National Malaria Control Programs (NMCPs) was analysed to identify the strengths and weaknesses underpinning implementation of vector surveillance and control activities by the core elements of program capacity, being strategic frameworks, financing, human resources, logistics and infrastructure, and information systems. Results: Across nearly every country surveyed, the vector surveillance programs were hampered by a lack of capacity and capability. Only 8 % of NMCPs reported having sufficient capacity to implement vector surveillance. In contrast, 57 %, 56 % and 28 % of NMCPs had the capacity to implement long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs), indoor residual spraying (IRS) and larval source management (LSM) activities, respectively. Largely underlying this was a lack of up-to-date strategic plans that prioritise vector surveillance and include frameworks for decision making and action. Conclusions: Strategic planning and a lack of well-trained entomologists heavily hamper vector surveillance. Countries on the path to elimination generally had more operational/field staff compared to countries at the stage of control, and also were more likely to have an established system for staff training and capacity building. It is unlikely that controlling countries will make significant progress unless huge investments also go towards increasing the number and capacity of programmatic staff.

scholarly journals Vector-focused Approaches to Curb Malaria Transmission in the Brazilian Amazon: An Overview of Current and Future Challenges and Strategies

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elerson Matos Rocha ◽  
Ricardo de Melo Katak ◽  
Juan Campos-de-Oliveira ◽  
Maisa da Silva Araujo ◽  
Bianca Cechetto Carlos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vector Control ◽  
Malaria Transmission ◽  
Malaria Control ◽  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Brazilian Amazon ◽  
Malaria Vectors ◽  
Anopheles Darlingi ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
Ecological Features ◽  
Substantial Progress

In Brazil, malaria transmission is mostly confined to the Amazon, where substantial progress has been achieved towards disease control in the past decade. Vector control has been historically considered a fundamental part of the main malaria control programs implemented in Brazil. However, the conventional vector-control tools have been insufficient to eliminate local vector populations due to the complexity of the Amazonian rainforest environment and ecological features of malaria vector species in the Amazon, especially Anopheles darlingi. Malaria elimination in Brazil and worldwide eradication will require a combination of conventional and new approaches that takes into account the regional specificities of vector populations and malaria transmission dynamics. Here we present an overview on both conventional and novel promising vector-focused tools to curb malaria transmission in the Brazilian Amazon. If well designed and employed, these new vector-based approaches may improve the implementation of malaria-control programs, particularly in remote or difficult-to-access areas and in regions where existing interventions have been unable to eliminate disease transmission. However, much effort still has to be put on research expanding the knowledge of neotropical malaria vectors to set the steppingstones for the development of such innovative tools.

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