The Pan-African Mosquito Control Association (PAMCA) conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia reached its third day, featuring a series of enlightening presentations and discussions on innovative approaches in the battle against malaria and mosquito-borne diseases.

Ifakara Health Institute continued showcasing its research work through presentations on malaria in this regional conference – a clear demonstration of how the Institute steadily walks “the zero-malaria” talk in line with global targets to eliminate malaria in the near future.

Ifakara presenters included Dr. Sarah Moore, Joel O. Odero and others.

Enhanced insecticide testing

Dr. Sarah Moore delivered a compelling presentation emphasizing the need for improved testing methods to assess the effectiveness of new insecticides against resistant mosquitoes. Dr. Moore stressed the importance of considering various factors such as time, weather, and mosquito behavior in these tests. 

She said, accurate evaluation is essential to enhancing our efforts in the fight against malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases.

Innovative malaria control technologies

Joel O. Odero's talk emphasized the need to keep an eye on mosquito resistance to insecticides in Tanzania, as these mosquitoes spread malaria. Their research covered nine regions and found that mosquitoes were becoming resistant to some common insecticides. 

However, they also discovered a way to make these insecticides work again. Different regions had varying levels of resistance, but not all insecticides were affected. They also learned that certain genes in mosquitoes were linked to resistance. Overall, it's essential to use this information to plan better ways to fight malaria in Tanzania.

About PAMCA

The Pan-African Mosquito Control Association (PAMCA) is a professional body that brings together stakeholders in the field of vectors and vector-borne diseases control including scientists, public health professionals, vector control specialists, affected communities and other stakeholders to work together and adopt best practices for the control and elimination of vector-borne diseases in Africa and elsewhere.

>> Find out more about PAMCA here