Malm mentioned the example of the National Insecticide Resistance Monitoring Partnership (NIRMOP) as a case study conducted in the Obuasi-Ashanti region in Ghana. A wide range of entomological indicators were monitored such as vector diversity, abundance, among others. Ghana has already launched entomological surveillance in 30 insecticide resistance monitoring sites amongst which 20 sentinel sites are also used for entomological surveillance. She mentioned that according to Russel et al., 2020, 80% of countries use vector data for decision making, the remaining 20% don't, mostly due to inadequate finances and human resources. She recommended that malaria surveillance be implemented as a core intervention including the identification of vectors, species diversity, habitats and monitoring the impact of implemented control measures. Keziah Malm (National malaria Control Program - NMCP, Ghana) presented vector control as a core intervention in the fight against malaria especially in high-burden countries Africa-wide which has mainly involved insecticide treated nets (ITNs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS). Plenary Session 1: Strengthening National Malaria Control Programs capacity for vector surveillance for malaria elimination Larbi concluded that VBDs can be eliminated by coordinated and well-tailored efforts involving all stakeholders in vector control. She outlined ways by which local institutions can be empowered for VBDs elimination. She, however, emphasized that VBDs are multifaceted, hence requiring intersectoral and multisectoral approaches to control them. Larbi pointed out the positives in increased coverage and use of vector control tools, as was observed in the decline of malaria between the years 20. The emergence and re-emergence and drivers of VBDs, particularly dengue in Africa was also discussed. She started by highlighting the burden of vector-borne diseases (VBDs) in Africa and globally, with a staggering 17% of all infectious diseases and one million deaths annually. The keynote talk on “ Empowering local institutions to set the agenda for the elimination of vector-borne diseases” was given by Florence Larbi (Zoomlion Ghana Limited, Ghana), who stood in for Joseph Siaw Agyepong (Jospong Group of Companies, Ghana). They also highlighted the need for a coordinated multisectoral approach in fighting vector-borne diseases, in the face of multiple outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases. They thanked the sponsors and all attendees, giving the reason for the virtual conference – COVID-19. Majambere then invited Charles Mbogo (President of PAMCA), Samuel Dadzie (Chairman, PAMCA Local Organizing Committee – LOC, Ghana) and Prosper Chaki (Executive Director, PAMCA) to share with the audience their opening remarks. He welcomed all attendees and highlighted the theme of the conference – “Empowering local institutions to set the agenda for the elimination of vector-borne diseases”. The opening ceremony of the 1st Virtual and 7th Pan-African Mosquito Control Association (PAMCA) Conference was moderated by Silas Majambere (Director of Scientific Operations, PAMCA). MESA Correspondents bring you cutting-edge coverage from the 1st Virtual and 7th PAMCA Conference & Exhibition 2021
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