In collaboration with some international research institutions, a team from CRID held a meeting on catalyzing the action of novel vector control tools, from March 31st to April 4th, 2025 in Yaoundé.
Prof Charles holding a spatial repellent
The four-day session brought together 15 experts-including epidemiologists, entomologists, and social scientists-from the Centre National de Recherche et de Formation sur le Paludisme (CNRFP) in Burkina Faso, the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM). The primary aim was to explore the implementation of innovative vector control tools in Africa, with a particular focus on spatial repellents. These devices work by releasing chemicals that repel mosquitoes, preventing them from landing or biting, and creating a protective zone around individuals. Spatial repellents are highly adaptable and complement traditional interventions like bed nets and sprays, especially in areas with low coverage or where mosquitoes have developed resistance. If successfully implemented, they have the potential to significantly reduce malaria transmission.
The project will be conducted in both Cameroon and Burkina Faso, integrating epidemiology and entomology work packages. Randomized controlled trials and blind spot checks will be used to rigorously evaluate intervention efficacy. During the meeting, participants discussed the components and objectives of each work package, emphasizing robust methodologies such as stratified randomization and cluster trial designs to ensure reliable results. A dedicated session addressed the unique challenges of conducting research in refugee camps, including logistical constraints and cultural sensitivities.
Family picture
On the third day, the meeting took place at the Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), where the focus shifted to social science and communication work packages. Community engagement strategies were developed, with particular attention to internally displaced persons and collaboration with Impact Santé Afrique (ISA) for civil society involvement. The session concluded with a field visit to Mbandjock, a locality in the Centre region, 97 km from Yaoundé. This visit was crucial for assessing community needs and readiness for adopting novel vector control tools, allowing participants to gain a deeper understanding of the local health landscape.
Novel vector control tools, such as spatial repellents, offer continuous protection and target mosquitoes resistant to conventional insecticides, advancing CRID’s mission to combat vector-borne diseases in sub-Saharan Africa
