Integrated field entomology workshop for vectorborne diseases of public health importance in the WHO South-East Asia Region was convened at the Vector Control Research Center (VCRC), Indian Council of Medical Research at Puducherry, India, from 28 November – 3 December 2022. VCRC is a WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Lymphatic filariasis and Integrated Vector Management.
Diseases transmitted by mosquitoes and other insect vectors continue to place a critical burden on the world’s poor, particularly in tropical and subtropical areas including countries in the South-East Asia Region. Vectorborne diseases (VBDs) of public health importance in the WHO South-East Asia Region includes kala-azar, dengue, chikungunya, malaria, lymphatic filariasis and Japanese encephalitis.
Knowledge on entomology is essential to determine the most effective vector control techniques and strategy. However, the overall lack of entomologists and resultant entomological capacity throughout the Region continues to be a persistent challenge for control and elimination of many VBDs. Strengthening entomological capacity in countries in a cost-effective and sustainable manner is hence of critical importance for overall VBD control.
Given this situation, the workshop aimed to serve as a training of trainers (TOT) to build capacity of both entomologists and non-entomologists involved in VBD control at all level on (i) basic field entomology and (ii) planning and implementation of integrated vector management (IVM) strategy to cover all major VBDs in each area based on the analysis of local epidemiological, entomological and political/institutional settings for rationale use of resources.
The concept of Integrated Vector Management (IVM) was developed as a result of lessons learnt from Integrated Pest Management in agriculture. IVM is defined as “a rational decision-making process that encourages optimal use of resources for efficient, cost-effective and sustainable vector control”. Vector control and surveillance is well suited for integrated approaches because some vectors are responsible for multiple diseases, and some interventions are effective against several vectors. Collection, detection, control and monitoring of multiple vectors and public awareness against multiple VBDs in view of the overlapping geographical distribution of multiple VBDs will help enhance cost-effectiveness and sustainability of otherwise vertical vector control activities.
The training was attended by 20 participants, consisting of national and state entomologists, vector control inspectors, public health officers and VBD control officers, from 7 countries (Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Timor Leste).
Photo credit: Y. Srinivas Murty, VCRC
The following modules were developed through adaptation of the WHO handbook and Core structure for training curricula on integrated vector management, and facilitated by both WHO and VCRC experts.
Module 1: Introduction to vectors of human diseases in the South-East Asia Region (vector identification, life-cycle, biology and ecology)
Module 2: Vector sampling and control methods
Module 3: Integrated Vector Management (IVM) – formulating and implementing a tailor-made
integrated vector control and surveillance plan
Module 4: Organization and management of IVM
Module 5: Policy and institutional framework
Module 6: Advocacy and communication
Module 7: Monitoring and evaluation
Field work (selection of suitable site for vector collection, Adult and larval sampling techniques, demonstration of vector control tools)
Individual exercise to develop IVM plan
The workshop included theoretical lectures and field work to demonstrate and practice larval and adult vector collection and control in the field and a series of group work to analyze the epidemiological, entomological and other local contexts in each country and develop a tailor-made integrated vector management strategy. At the end of the workshop, participants presented the proposed strategy and its implementation plan for respective country.
Participants during a lecture by experts. Photo credit: Y. Srinivas Murty, VCRC
Participants in group work, supported by facilitators. Photo credit: Y. Srinivas Murty, VCRC
Participants in group work, supported by facilitators. Photo credit: Y. Srinivas Murty, VCRC
Participants in a roleplay on advocacy and communication. Photo credit: Y. Srinivas Murty, VCRC
Participants practicing adult mosquito collection. Photo credit: Y. Srinivas Murty, VCRC
Participants practicing mosquito larva collection. Photo credit: Y. Srinivas Murty, VCRC
Participants practicing adult mosquito collection. Photo credit: Y. Srinivas Murty, VCRC
An expert demonstrating adult mosquito collection. Photo credit: Y. Srinivas Murty, VCRC
Participants observing different behaviors of mosquito larva by species. Photo credit: Y. Srinivas Murty, VCRC
Dr Surajita Banerjee, State Entomologist from West Bengal, India, who participated in the workshop stated “the journey was more pleasant than the destination - my feelings while attending the workshop. WHO and ICMR-VCRC experts, each stalwarts in their fields, patiently explained all queries raised and discussed nuances and shared experiences. The exhaustive interaction helped us gain knowledge regarding various control strategies and measures. The field trips were also very effective. Daily assignments were well planned and hands-on for the benefit of trainees. The exchange of ideas with participants from different countries, learning from shared experiences and their best practices helped us learn various strategies beyond borders.”
Dr Ashwani Kumar, Director of the ICMR-IVCR, Puducherry, stated “Vector Control Research Centre is extremely grateful to the WHO SEARO for choosing this Centre as a venue for the Integrated field entomology workshop for vector-borne diseases of public health importance in the WHO South-East Asia Region. As a WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Lymphatic filariasis and Integrated Vector Management, VCRC will always be in the forefront in scientifically and technically assisting WHO in building and strengthening much needed entomological capacities in the Region in the future for effective and sustained control of VBDs.”
Following this workshop, those participants, supported by WHO and other partner agencies such as VCRC, are expected to conduct integrated field entomology and IVM training workshop at national and sub-national level toward the South-East Asia Region with effective vector surveillance and control at all levels in the long run. WHO-SEARO will continue to support Member States in strengthening entomological capacity for effective control and elimination of VBDs in the South-East Asia Region.