Strengthen vector control to eliminate malaria -Experts

Experts at the just-concluded second technical consultation on malaria vector control in the ECOWAS region held in Cotonou, Benin Republic, have recommended a proposal for well-planned and coordinated vector control measures to complement existing interventions in member states.

This, they said, would ensure a complete and holistic regional approach to the control and eventual elimination of the scourge in the region. 

At the three-day meeting, it was recommended that the vector control measures should be incorporated into the ECOWAS’ Malaria Elimination Strategies.

In addition to Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) and the use of Long-lasting Insecticidal nets (LLINs), they suggested that larval reduction strategies, including laviciding and environmental management should be part of an integrated approach to malaria vector control in the region.

The participants also urged ECOWAS to provide the enabling environment for malaria vector control interventions especially in the areas of advocacy, policy formulation, information sharing, and to stimulate and sustain political will and machinery for malaria elimination.

“Member states should also ensure adequate planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of all existing interventions in malaria control including the use of IRS and LLIN with a view to strengthening them, as well as build institutional capacity for an integrated malaria vector control,” they resolved.

The meeting highlighted the need for the engagement of civil society groups at the national level in the implementation of malaria vector control initiatives.

The Beninoise Health Minister, Professor Dorothee Kinde-Gazard who opened the meeting, called for a regional integrated approach as well as combination and coordination of various interventions for effective control and elimination of malaria in the ECOWAS region.

Speaking on behalf of the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Victor Gbeho, the Director of Humanitarian and Social Affairs, Dr. Daniel Eklu said the ECOWAS-driven integrated malaria control initiative incorporating the strengthening of the vector control component is consistent with the objectives of the 2000 Abuja Declaration by  African leaders and the Millennium Development Goals for malaria elimination.

Participants at the Cotonou meeting included Malaria Control Programme managers, Monitoring and Evaluation, Information, Education and Communication (IEC) as well as Behaviour Change Communication experts, and Medical Entomologists. 

Also present were representatives of the African Network on Vector Resistance to Insecticide (ANVR), Research Institutes, ECOWAS, World Health Organization (WHO), West African Health Organization (WAHO), Roll-Back-Malaria (RBM), biolarvicide manufacturing group, Labiofam, the Media and Civil Society organisations, including rural farmers, traders and the West African Women’s Association (WAWA).