Portable Insecticide-Embedded Surfaces (PIES) for Malaria Vector Control
ResearchLink International is currently seeking funding and strategic partners to launch an innovative project focused on the development and evaluation of Portable Insecticide-Embedded Surfaces (PIES) as a sustainable and community-friendly alternative to conventional Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) for malaria vector control in sub-Saharan Africa.
Project Summary
This pioneering project aims to overcome the limitations of IRS by introducing portable surfaces made of linen, cotton, wood, or other specialized materials embedded with insecticides and mosquito attractants. These surfaces are designed to be strategically placed in mosquito-preferred indoor and outdoor resting sites, maximizing insecticide exposure and effectively targeting indoor and outdoor malaria vectors.
Mission and Vision
Our mission is to provide highly effective, easily deployable tools that enhance malaria prevention by addressing emerging challenges in vector behavior and insecticide resistance.
Our vision is an Africa with flexible, sustainable, and community-accepted vector control solutions that accelerate malaria elimination by protecting people from indoor and outdoor vectors alike.
Key Activities and Timeline
Development of durable insecticidal materials optimized for mosquito attraction.
Laboratory and field bioassays to test efficacy and residual activity.
Community engagement and acceptability assessments.
Comparative evaluation against conventional IRS including entomological and epidemiological outcomes.
Generation of operational guidelines, cost-effectiveness data, and policy recommendations.
The project is planned over three years, encompassing material development, field deployment, monitoring, analysis, and dissemination phases.
Estimated Budget
A total budget of approximately USD 2.54 million is projected to cover personnel, materials procurement, local factory setup for treatment and quality assurance, field operations, laboratory testing, data management, training, and monitoring and evaluation activities.
Strategic Importance and Expected Impact
PIES offers a promising solution to many of the practical and social challenges hindering IRS effectiveness, including improved community acceptability, reduced insecticide usage, enhanced operational feasibility, and the ability to target outdoor resting mosquitoes. This project has the potential to significantly enhance malaria vector control programs, especially in resource-limited settings, supporting long-term malaria elimination goals.