MALAREO: a user-driven project

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.

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Malaria vector control in South Africa

South African Medical Journal ◽

10.7196/samj.7447 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 103 (10) ◽

pp. 784 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

B Brooke ◽

L Koekemoer ◽

P Kruger ◽

J Urbach ◽

E Misiani ◽

...

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Vector Control ◽

Malaria Vector ◽

Malaria Vector Control

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Malaria vector control practices in an irrigated rice agro-ecosystem in central Kenya and implications for malaria control

Malaria Journal ◽

10.1186/1475-2875-7-146 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Peter N Ng'ang'a ◽

Josephat Shililu ◽

Gayathri Jayasinghe ◽

Violet Kimani ◽

Charity Kabutha ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vector Control ◽

Malaria Vector ◽

Malaria Control ◽

Malaria Vector Control ◽

Irrigated Rice ◽

Central Kenya

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Earth observation in support of malaria control and epidemiology: MALAREO monitoring approaches

Geospatial health ◽

10.4081/gh.2015.335 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Jonas Franke ◽

Michael Gebreslasie ◽

Ides Bauwens ◽

Julie Deleu ◽

Florian Siegert

Keyword(s):

Environmental Factors ◽

Vector Control ◽

Malaria Control ◽

Malaria Incidence ◽

Modern Technology ◽

Earth Observation ◽

Malaria Vector Control ◽

Support Vector ◽

African Countries ◽

Control Programmes

Malaria affects about half of the world’s population, with the vast majority of cases occuring in Africa. National malaria control programmes aim to reduce the burden of malaria and its negative, socioeconomic effects by using various control strategies (<em>e.g.</em> vector control, environmental management and case tracking). Vector control is the most effective transmission prevention strategy, while environmental factors are the key parameters affecting transmission. Geographic information systems (GIS), earth observation (EO) and spatial modelling are increasingly being recognised as valuable tools for effective management and malaria vector control. Issues previously inhibiting the use of EO in epidemiology and malaria control such as poor satellite sensor performance, high costs and long turnaround times, have since been resolved through modern technology. The core goal of this study was to develop and implement the capabilities of EO data for national malaria control programmes in South Africa, Swaziland and Mozambique. High- and very high resolution (HR and VHR) land cover and wetland maps were generated for the identification of potential vector habitats and human activities, as well as geoinformation on distance to wetlands for malaria risk modelling, population density maps, habitat foci maps and VHR household maps. These products were further used for modelling malaria incidence and the analysis of environmental factors that favour vector breeding. Geoproducts were also transferred to the staff of national malaria control programmes in seven African countries to demonstrate how EO data and GIS can support vector control strategy planning and monitoring. The transferred EO products support better epidemiological understanding of environmental factors related to malaria transmission, and allow for spatio-temporal targeting of malaria control interventions, thereby improving the cost-effectiveness of interventions.

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Systematic identification of plausible pathways to potential harm via problem formulation for investigational releases of a population suppression gene drive to control the human malaria vector Anopheles gambiae in West Africa

Malaria Journal ◽

10.1186/s12936-021-03674-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

John B. Connolly ◽

John D. Mumford ◽

Silke Fuchs ◽

Geoff Turner ◽

Camilla Beech ◽

...

Keyword(s):

West Africa ◽

Vector Control ◽

Anopheles Gambiae ◽

Malaria Vector ◽

Problem Formulation ◽

Malaria Vector Control ◽

Mosquito Vector ◽

Gene Drive ◽

Potential Harm ◽

Population Suppression

Abstract Background Population suppression gene drive has been proposed as a strategy for malaria vector control. A CRISPR-Cas9-based transgene homing at the doublesex locus (dsxFCRISPRh) has recently been shown to increase rapidly in frequency in, and suppress, caged laboratory populations of the malaria mosquito vector Anopheles gambiae. Here, problem formulation, an initial step in environmental risk assessment (ERA), was performed for simulated field releases of the dsxFCRISPRh transgene in West Africa. Methods Building on consultative workshops in Africa that previously identified relevant environmental and health protection goals for ERA of gene drive in malaria vector control, 8 potentially harmful effects from these simulated releases were identified. These were stratified into 46 plausible pathways describing the causal chain of events that would be required for potential harms to occur. Risk hypotheses to interrogate critical steps in each pathway, and an analysis plan involving experiments, modelling and literature review to test each of those risk hypotheses, were developed. Results Most potential harms involved increased human (n = 13) or animal (n = 13) disease transmission, emphasizing the importance to subsequent stages of ERA of data on vectorial capacity comparing transgenics to non-transgenics. Although some of the pathways (n = 14) were based on known anatomical alterations in dsxFCRISPRh homozygotes, many could also be applicable to field releases of a range of other transgenic strains of mosquito (n = 18). In addition to population suppression of target organisms being an accepted outcome for existing vector control programmes, these investigations also revealed that the efficacy of population suppression caused by the dsxFCRISPRh transgene should itself directly affect most pathways (n = 35). Conclusions Modelling will play an essential role in subsequent stages of ERA by clarifying the dynamics of this relationship between population suppression and reduction in exposure to specific potential harms. This analysis represents a comprehensive identification of plausible pathways to potential harm using problem formulation for a specific gene drive transgene and organism, and a transparent communication tool that could inform future regulatory studies, guide subsequent stages of ERA, and stimulate further, broader engagement on the use of population suppression gene drive to control malaria vectors in West Africa.

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Malaria vector control tools in emergency settings: What do experts think? Results from a DELPHI survey

Conflict and Health ◽

10.1186/s13031-021-00424-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Christophe Boëte ◽

Sakib Burza ◽

Estrella Lasry ◽

Silvia Moriana ◽

William Robertson

Keyword(s):

Vector Control ◽

Malaria Vector ◽

Malaria Control ◽

Substantial Reduction ◽

Indoor Residual Spraying ◽

Delphi Survey ◽

Malaria Vector Control ◽

Free Text ◽

List Type ◽

Snowball Sampling

Abstract Background The use and implementation of novel tools for malaria control such as long lasting impregnated bednets (LLINs) and Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) over the last decade has contributed to a substantial reduction in malaria burden globally. However numerous challenges exist particularly in relation to vector control in emergency settings. This study seeks to explore expert opinion on the utility of existing tools within the emergency context setting and to better understand the attitude towards emerging and innovative tools (including Genetically Modified Mosquitoes) to augment current approaches. Methods 80 experts in the field of malaria and vector control were invited to participate in a two-round Delphi survey. They were selected through a combination of literature (academic and policy publications) review and snowball sampling reflecting a range of relevant backgrounds including vector control experts, malaria programme managers and emergency response specialists. The survey was conducted online through a questionnaire including the possibility for free text entry, and concentrated on the following topics: Utility and sustainability of current vector control tools, both in and outside emergency settings Feasibility, utility and challenges of emerging vector control tools, both in and outside emergency settings Current and unmet research priorities in malaria vector control and in malaria control in general. Results 37 experts completed the first round and 31 completed the second round of the survey. There was a stronger consensus about the increased utility of LLIN compared to IRS in all settings, while insecticide-treated covers and blankets ranked very high only in emergency settings. When considering the combination of tools, the ones deemed most interesting always involved LLINs and IRS regardless of the setting, and the acceptability and the efficacy at reducing transmission are essential characteristics. Regarding perceptions of tools currently under development, consensus was towards improvement of existing tools rather than investing in novel approaches and the majority of respondents expressed distrust for genetic approaches. Conclusion Malaria vector control experts expressed more confidence for tools whose efficacy is backed up by epidemiological evidence, hence a preference for the improvement rather than the combination of existing tools. Moreover, while several novel tools are under development, the majority of innovative approaches did not receive support, particularly in emergency settings. Stakeholders involved in the development of novel tools should involve earlier and raise awareness of the potential effectiveness amongst a wider range of experts within the malaria community to increase acceptability and improve early adoption once the evidence base is established.

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Malaria Vector Control Practices in an Irrigated Agroecosystem in Central Kenya: Implications for Malaria Control

Epidemiology ◽

10.1097/01.ede.0000291888.77714.81 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

pp. S215-S216

Author(s):

P Ngáng'a ◽

J Shililu ◽

V K Kimani ◽

G Jayasinghee ◽

C Kabutha

Keyword(s):

Vector Control ◽

Malaria Vector ◽

Malaria Control ◽

Malaria Vector Control ◽

Central Kenya

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“Maskandi experience”: exploring the use of a cultural song for community engagement in preparation for a pilot Sterile Insect Technique release programme for malaria vector control in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa 2019

Malaria Journal ◽

10.1186/s12936-021-03736-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Pinky N. Manana ◽

Sara Jewett ◽

Jabulani Zikhali ◽

Dumsani Dlamini ◽

Nondumiso Mabaso ◽

...

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Community Engagement ◽

Vector Control ◽

Malaria Vector ◽

Sterile Insect Technique ◽

Malaria Vector Control ◽

Community Members ◽

Kwazulu Natal ◽

Male Mosquitoes ◽

Control Tool

Abstract Background An assessment of the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) as a complementary malaria vector control tool, is at an advanced stage in South Africa. The technique involves the release of laboratory-reared sterilized male mosquitoes of the major malaria vector Anopheles arabiensis, raising social, ethical and regulatory concerns. Therefore, its implementation largely depends on community participation and acceptance. Against this background, it is critical that robust and effective community strategies are developed. This study describes the development of a cultural song to engage the community and increase awareness on SIT and malaria control in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Methods An exploratory concurrent mixed-methods study was conducted to get opinions about the effectiveness of a cultural song developed to engage communities and increase acceptability of the SIT technology. Two self-administered surveys (expert and community) were conducted. Additionally, more in depth opinions of the song and its effectiveness in conveying the intended information were investigated through three community dialogue sessions with community members in the study area. Results A total of 40 experts and 54 community members participated in the survey. Four themes were identified in relation to the appropriateness and effectiveness of the song, with a fifth theme focused on recommendations for adaptations. Overall, the song was well received with the audience finding it entertaining and informative. Responses to unstructured questions posed after the song showed an increase in the knowledge on malaria transmission and SIT technology. In particular, the explanation that male mosquitoes do not bite allayed anxiety and fears about the SIT technology. Conclusion The song was deemed both culturally appropriate and informative in engaging community members about the SIT technology. It proved useful in promoting health messages and conveying SIT technology as a complementary malaria vector control tool. With minor adaptations, the song has potential as an area-wide community engagement tool in areas targeted for sterile male releases.

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Serum DDT in malaria vector control sprayers in Mato Grosso State, Brazil

Cadernos de Saúde Pública ◽

10.1590/s0102-311x2003000200009 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 19 (2) ◽

pp. 429-437 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Eliana Freire Gaspar de Carvalho Dores ◽

Leandro Carbo ◽

Adley Bergson Gonçalves de Abreu

Keyword(s):

Vector Control ◽

National Health ◽

Malaria Vector ◽

The State ◽

Malaria Vector Control ◽

Mato Grosso ◽

Blood Samples ◽

Control Programs ◽

Intensive Use ◽

Occupationally Exposed

DDT was used intensively in vector control programs in Mato Grosso State until 1997. The present study aimed to determine DDT concentrations in blood samples from Brazilian National Health Foundation workers in Mato Grosso. Blood samples were analyzed from 41 sprayers, 20 drivers, and 14 unexposed workers, collected in June 1999 and October 2000 in two regions of the State (Sinop and Cáceres). Sprayers and drivers were occupationally exposed, and no significant differences were found in serum DDT levels between these two groups in either region. Likewise, no significant differences were found in p,p'DDE and total DDT levels between Cáceres and Sinop. However, p,p'DDT levels were higher in Sinop due to the intensive use of this insecticide in the region in recent years. The two regions together showed the following results: total DDT ranging from 7.50µg/L to 875.5µg/L (median = 135.5µg/L) for sprayers; from 34.5µg/L to 562.3µg/L (median = 147.7µg/L) for drivers; and from undetected to 94.8µg/L (median = 22.5µg/L) for unexposed workers.

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