September Newsletter: Our highlights from World Mosquito Day
Malaria Consortium
We're dedicated to the comprehensive control of malaria and other childhood infectious and neglected tropical diseases.
20 August marked #WorldMosquitoDay (#WMD2023), an event serving as a stark reminder that this small and common insect still takes and threatens more lives than any other creature on earth through the transmission of deadly diseases, including #malaria.
Since the link between malaria transmission and ?? #mosquitoes was first discovered in 1897, using insecticides to limit the ability of these vectors to spread disease has been a core focus of #malariacontrol. Insecticide-treated mosquito nets have been integral to reducing the number of malaria cases and deaths in recent decades and remain fundamental to maintaining global progress in combating malaria, even as we continue to establish new interventions through the development of drugs and technologies. Understanding the effectiveness of these interventions is critical and strong #surveillance systems that can identify and inform solutions to address emerging threats such as insecticide and drug #resistance, as well as the impact of changes in #climate on mosquito populations, need to be prioritised.
As part of our World Mosquito Day activities, we published a photo story about a team of dedicated volunteers supporting a mass campaign to distribute mosquito nets in #SouthSudan. We also moderated two exciting expert dialogues on vector control as part of the Asia Pacific Malaria Elimination Network (#APMEN)'s Climate xChange series. Our Senior Vector Control Specialist, Dr Leo Braack, wrote a special piece for Outreach Network for Gene Drive Research on the potential for genetic interventions for effective control of mosquito-borne disease. Read on to find out more...
Studies show that long-lasting insecticidal nets (#LLINs) have reduced the incidence of malaria by around 50 percent.
From 2022 to 2023, with funding from UNICEF through the Global Fund, and in collaboration with the State Ministry of Health and the National Malaria Control Programme, we supported South Sudan’s Ministry of Health to implement an LLIN campaign in two states in South Sudan, Central Equatoria and Northern Bahr El Ghazal.
Genetic interventions to combat obstinate mosquito-borne diseases could prove to be a cost-effective method of reaching unreached populations and reduce instances of disease. The technology is still under development and will have to be proven safe and effective, yet it holds the potential to be a complete game-changer in our ability to combat disease.
Read the blog, originally written for Outreach Network for Gene Drive Research and republished here, authored by Leo Braack, Co-Chair of APMEN Vector Control Working Group; Senior Vector Control Specialist for Malaria Consortium
In Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the rate of child mortality is the highest in the world. UNICEF estimated that in 2021, more than seven percent of children in the region died between birth and the age of five. By implementing quality health programmes and strengthening health systems, SSA has reduced child mortality by almost 60 percent since 1990. But it still falls far behind other regions, largely because malaria, pneumonia and malnutrition – all preventable diseases – continue to cause thousands of child deaths in areas with limited access to essential health services.
In our blog, Senior Country Technical Coordinator, Olusola Oresanya, discusses the steps African governments must take to shape policies and strengthen health systems.
Upcoming events
17-21 September Pan-African Mosquito Control Conference
18-19 September UN 2023 SDG Summit
21 September The UN High-Level Meeting on UHC 2023
26 September Decoding the impact of seasonal malaria chemoprevention: Data analysis, evaluation and post-intervention insights
Each year, more than 25 million children under the age of five are now reached with seasonal malaria #chemoprevention (#SMC). Join the SMC Alliance's Monitoring and Evaluation Subgroup for its next webinar exploring SMC data analysis, evaluation and post-intervention insights: bit.ly/3qW0bTz.
Interpretation will be available in English, French and Portuguese.
Past events
22 August?Genetic approach to vector control: how can gene drive help control malaria and other diseases?
#Genedrive technology can?help to control mosquito-borne diseases by spreading specific traits through targeted mosquito populations. By modifying the mosquitoes, gene drive approaches offer the potential to reduce disease vector populations or the transmission of disease-causing parasites and viruses.
In this webinar, invited experts?shared technical advancements and experiences with gene drive technology, shedding light on its potential role in helping to combat?malaria and #dengue.
#Climatechange is?increasingly impacting disease-carrying vectors such as mosquitoes, affecting their growth, habits and populations. In the context of?#climate-induced humanitarian emergencies, vector control becomes more complex?due to the scarcity of both human and logistical resources.
In this webinar, experts from Pakistan shed light on their efforts in managing vector control during the recent floods, offering valuable insights for partner countries to learn from.
Work with us
To help us respond to today's global health challenges, come and work for us. Check out our?current vacancies.
If you have questions or suggestions, please email us at?[email protected].
Active Learner, embracing a growth mindset.
1 年Interesting read. World Mosquitoes Day ?? So I thought about sharing my experience with these vicious creatures called mosquitoes??????????. I came to real terms with their negative impact as an undergraduate student in university staying in a boarding facility with bunk beds. As someone who usually loved staying on the upper bunk, I struggled with mounting my mosquito net, and the same goes for every other student who slept at the top of these bunk beds. We had struggles with finding how to attach these nets. When we decided to sleep without one, we were soon visiting the school clinic to treat malaria. As a student studying Forestry and wildlife management, I decided to utilize my knowledge of wood utilization and processing in constructing a mosquito net stand. I collaborated with a professional carpenter Oga Taye to assist with the production. I made several mosquito nets stands and sold them to other students ????. This was a major solution to our distress. Also, during my Nysc days, I installed and donated these stands in the boarding facility for corpers as my contribution of service to the nation.Collaboration and funding opportunity are welcomed ??
Criminologist | Reserch assistant | Private investigator
1 年Having been born after 1990, I am undoubtedly part of the statistics that make up the more than 60 percent SSA success against Malria caused child mortality. Thank you!