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Vector Control Product Testing Unit

High-quality evaluation science accelerating safe and effective vector control tools for public health impact.

28

Experimental Huts

20

Ambient Chambers

8

Semi Field Systems

3

WHO Trial Phases

VCPTU field and testing environment

Welcome

The Vector Control Product Testing Unit (VCPTU) is an internationally renowned site for high quality evaluations of new vector control products for the private industry, product development partnerships, and regulatory bodies including WHO Prequalification.

WHO-aligned methods GLP principles Multi-country partnerships

Mission

We serve the community through excellence in service delivery, research into new methods of product testing and training of MSc and PhD students.

Vision

In order to eliminate vector borne disease we must have a diverse range of high quality and long-lasting vector control tools. We help bring new vector control products to market more rapidly and cost efficiently through rigorous evaluations using well powered studies, enhanced research standards, and careful data analysis. At the same time we are dedicated to building capacity in entomology for the future of vector control.

Our methods

We use standard WHO testing methodology (Phase I: laboratory studies, Phase II: experimental hut studies, and Phase III: community studies) for long lasting insecticidal nets and Indoor residual spray (IRS). We have also developed new bioassay techniques such as the Ifakara Ambient Chamber Test (I-ACT) and conduct non-inferiority testing for vector control products that generate data that compliments WHO guidance. We always do our testing on both susceptible and local resistant mosquito strains to show how products will perform in the African context where pyrethroid resistance is the norm. Our studies are conducted following principles of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP).

Phase I

Laboratory studies

Phase II

Experimental hut studies

Phase III

Community studies

Service Capability

Product Evaluation

Available tests: indoor residual spraying (IRS), insecticidal treated nets (ITNs), skin (topical) repellents, spatial (area) repellents, treated clothing, attractive targeted sugar baits and mosquito lures.

Method Development

We develop new means of testing products and assist in developing guidelines for international use.

Operational Entomology

We measure key parameters in the mosquito that translate to efficacy in reducing vector borne disease in the human population when applied at scale.

Rigorous Reporting

Our documentation, analysis and reporting is rigorous for ease of use by our partners.

Protocol and Data Services

We offer protocol, data analysis and report writing services.

Product class WHO Phase I (Laboratory) WHO Phase II (Experimental hut) Semi Field Bioassays WHO Phase III (Community Entomological trial) Clinical trials
Long lasting Insecticidal nets (LLIN)
Indoor Residual Sprays (IRS)
Spatial and Topical repellent
Treated Clothing
Larvicides
Attractive Targeted Sugar Bait

Capacities and Features

  • 28 Experimental Huts
  • Phase 1 and Phase 2 LLIN washing facilities
  • Phase 1 IRS testing laboratories and block room
  • 8 Semi Field systems for ecological testing
  • 20 Ambient chambers
  • Biosafety level 3 laboratory for malaria transmission studies
  • Molecular entomology laboratory
  • Well-trained and experienced spray teams for IRS trials
Vector control capacity visual

Wild Mosquito Populations at Experimental Hut Site

  • High pyrethroid resistant Anopheles arabiensis with P450 resistance mechanism
  • Low pyrethroid resistant Anopheles funestus with CYP6a9b, A2965 RDL, L 119- GSTe2, and N4851-Ace-1 resistance mechanisms

Laboratory Mosquito strains

  • Anopheles gambiae s.s. (Ifakara), Anopheles gambiae s.s. (Kisumu) fully susceptible to all classes of insecticides.
  • Anopheles gambiae s.s. (Kisumu KDR) 80% survival of permethrin exposure, KDR East
  • Anopheles arabiensis (Kingani) pyrethroid resistant (70-90% survival of pyrethroid exposure), overexpression of CYP6P1
  • Anopheles funestus (FUMOZ) pyrethroid resistant
  • Aedes aegypti (fully susceptible to all classes of insecticides)
  • Culex quinquefasciatus (resistant to all classes of insecticides)

Our Team

Our Partners

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Work With VCPTU

Partner with our teams for protocol design, evaluation studies and evidence generation for next-generation vector control products.

Contact Us