On April 21, 2026, the Cameroon National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) and the Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID) jointly hosted a high-level roundtable discussion as part of activities marking World Malaria Day 2026.
Some panelists
The event, held in Yaoundé under the theme “What innovations beyond bed nets to eliminate malaria?”, brought together researchers, public health leaders, policymakers, and development partners. The objective was to explore how Cameroon can strengthen its malaria response by integrating new and complementary vector control strategies beyond Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs), which have long been the backbone of malaria prevention. Participants widely agreed that while ITNs remain essential, they are no longer sufficient on their own, particularly in the face of evolving mosquito behavior, insecticide resistance, and persistent transmission in some communities.
Introducing New Vector Control Innovations
The roundtable opened with Prof. Charles Wondji, Executive Director of CRID, who presented on spatial emanators, a new category of vector control tools that release insecticides into the air to repel or kill mosquitoes indoors. He highlighted that these products have recently received a conditional recommendation from the World Health Organization as complementary tools. Stressing the human cost of malaria, he remarked that no malaria-related death in Cameroon is acceptable, setting the tone for a discussion focused on innovation and urgency.
Prof. Antonio Nkondjio from OCEAC followed with a presentation on larviciding and environmental management. He emphasized that targeting mosquito breeding sites remains a powerful yet underutilized strategy. However, he insisted that its success depends heavily on community participation and strong leadership from local authorities.
Emerging Technologies and Structural Solutions
The conversation then moved to more forward-looking approaches with Prof. Cyrille Ndo of the University of Douala and CRID, who addressed both gene drive technology and housing improvement. While gene drive remains in the research phase, he explained its potential to suppress or modify mosquito populations in the future. At the same time, he carefully examined the ethical, regulatory, biosafety, sovereignty, and community acceptance issues surrounding this technology. In contrast, housing improvement—such as installing window screens, sealing walls, and improving ventilation—was presented as a practical and immediately actionable solution to reduce human exposure to mosquitoes.
Dr. Magellan Tchouakui, Research Scientist at CRID then presented on next-generation indoor residual spraying (IRS), with a focus on innovative insecticides such as Vectron T500 (broflanilide). His presentation highlighted the importance of geographical targeting, cost-effectiveness, and strong entomological monitoring systems. He emphasized that data-driven decision-making is essential to ensure that IRS interventions are both efficient and sustainable in the Cameroonian context.
Integrated Approaches for Greater Impact
Beyond vector control innovations, participants stressed the importance of combining these approaches with existing biomedical interventions. A representative of the NMCP reminded the audience that strategies such as seasonal malaria chemoprevention, mass drug administration, and malaria vaccination must remain central to the national response.
Community engagement emerged as a central theme throughout the discussions. Dum-Buo Nnamdi, CRID social scientist and representatives from Impact Santé Afrique (ISA) emphasized that no innovation can succeed without local ownership. Communities should not be treated as passive beneficiaries, but rather as active leaders in the fight against malaria. This requires continuous training, open dialogue, and strong accountability mechanisms.
Toward a Coordinated National Strategy
The roundtable concluded with an interactive panel discussion where participants explored how these innovations could be integrated into a coherent, effective, and sustainable national strategy. There was strong consensus on the need for enhanced multisectoral collaboration involving not only the health sector but also other ministries, decentralized authorities, and civil society organizations.
