NamTan Vector Control Initiative
ResearchLink International is advancing plans to launch the NamTan Vector Control Initiative, a dynamic collaborative effort between Namibia and Tanzania designed to strengthen malaria vector control through shared expertise, capacity building, and innovative interventions.
Overview
NamTanVector focuses on scaling up biolarviciding—the use of environmentally friendly microbial agents (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) to target mosquito larvae at breeding sites. This approach aims to complement existing Integrated Vector Management (IVM) strategies by reducing dependence on chemical insecticides and tackling insecticide resistance challenges.
Vision and Mission
Vision: To create malaria-free communities in Namibia and Tanzania through innovative, sustainable, and collaborative vector control approaches.
Mission: To enhance malaria vector control by sharing expertise, scaling up effective interventions like biolarviciding, building capacity, and fostering policy integration for long-term impact.
Key Objectives
Scale up biolarviciding as a complementary malaria control tool.
Facilitate knowledge exchange on vector control and malaria elimination between Namibia and Tanzania.
Build capacity through targeted training programs for community health workers, entomologists, and policymakers.
Support policy reforms to integrate biolarviciding into national malaria control strategies.
Strengthen community engagement to ensure sustainability and ownership of vector control interventions.
Implementation Plan
Conduct larval habitat mapping and apply biolarvicides during peak breeding seasons (August-December in Namibia; March-May in Tanzania).
Integrate biolarviciding with ongoing indoor residual spraying (IRS) and long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) programs under the IVM framework.
Implement regular monitoring of mosquito populations and malaria incidence through entomological surveys and health facility data.
Engage local communities in training on larval habitat identification and biolarvicide application.
Budget Overview
The initiative has an estimated total budget of approximately €4 million, shared between Namibia and Tanzania, to cover materials, training, monitoring, and coordination activities.
Expected Impact
Significant reduction in malaria transmission in targeted high-risk areas of both countries.
Enhanced sustainability of vector control systems driven by community participation.
Stronger cross-border collaboration promoting regional malaria elimination goals.
Elevated capacity for adopting innovative vector control methods, benefiting wider African malaria control efforts.
Call to Action
ResearchLink International invites partners, donors, and stakeholders to support the NamTan Vector Control Initiative by advocating for policy integration, mobilizing resources, and collaborating to scale up this promising approach to malaria elimination.
Join us in building malaria-free futures for Namibia, Tanzania, and beyond!