Piloting a new approach for capacity building in entomology and vector control at the level of national malaria control programmes

ABSTRACT

Following a survey of entomology capacity in the African Region in 1999; a commitment to strengthen capacity was made and the African Network on Vector Resistance to Insecticides (ANVR) was launched in 2000. Its aim was to facilitate Member States to build capacity in vector control and to collaborate with institutions to standardize methods and approaches. In 2006 ANVR assessed capacity with regard to national malaria control programmes. This assessment provided data on the capacity of countries across the Region to undertake vector surveillance. Recommendations to improve the situation followed and in 2007; through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; a project to strengthen infrastructure and capacity was begun. This article outlines the impressive results of the project and its wider implications for adopting similar approaches across the Region