Capacity of National Malaria Control Programmes to implement vector surveillance: a global analysis
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Malaria Journal Open Access
RESEARCH
Capacity of National Malaria Control Programmes to implement vector surveillance: a global analysis Tanya L. Russell1* , Robert Farlow2, Myo Min3, Effie Espino3, Abraham Mnzava4 and Thomas R. Burkot1
Abstract Background: Solving the problem of malaria requires a highly skilled workforce with robust infrastructure, financial backing and sound programme management coordinated by a strategic plan. Here, the capacity of National Malaria Control Programmes (NMCPs) was analysed to identify the strengths and weaknesses underpinning the implementation of vector surveillance and control activities by the core elements of programme capacity, being strategic frameworks, financing, human resources, logistics and infrastructure, and information systems. Results: Across nearly every country surveyed, the vector surveillance programmes 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 prioritize 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. Keywords: Malaria, Anopheles, Vector surveillance, Capacity building, Needs Assessment, Logic framework Background The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends both malaria control and prevention strategies [1–5]. The evidence-based core strategies include vector control with long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs), indoor residual spraying (IRS) and the supplementary strategy of larval source management (LSM); along with access to diagnostic facilities and improved *Correspondence: [email protected] 1 Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Australia Full list of author information is available at the end of the article
treatment as well as surveillance, monitoring and evaluation (including entomological surveillance). Wide scale deployment of these strategies reduced the global malaria incidence by 37% for all human malarias [6]. Furthermore, between 2007 and 2019, 11 new countries were certified as malaria free—the first certifications since 1987 [7, 8]. However, the global progress has stagnated since 2014 [9]. Predicted trends in climate change and urbanization will likely facilitate reductions in malaria tra
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