Preventing malaria transmission in high-risk populations
Environmental vector control such as indoor and outdoor residual spraying, and larval source management are insufficient for reducing malaria transmission among mobile migrant populations, due to their high mobility in remote areas, and personal protection may be more appropriate for this high-risk group.
The effectiveness and acceptability of insect repellent, long-lasting insecticidal nets, behavioural change communication and insecticide-treated clothing in preventing malaria have been demonstrated, but no studies have determined the effectiveness of a package of personal vector control interventions targeted to mobile migrant populations, nor their sustainability. Furthermore, there is limited information on the biting activities of vectors in the forest in the region to inform appropriate interventions.
Objective
The aim of this research is to quantify the abundance, composition, behaviour and transmission potential of Anopheles spp. mosquitoes in the forest and farm environments where residual malaria transmission occurs, and to assess the effectiveness, acceptability, feasibility and cost-effectiveness of a personal protection package to reduce malaria transmission in populations at high risk of malaria transmission.
Timeline
2021–2024.
Approach
This multinational research project includes a comprehensive vector survey conducted in rural Vietnam using multiple mosquito capture techniques to determine vector abundance and host-seeking behaviours. Additionally, a stepped wedge cluster randomised control trial with mixed methods of a personal protection package for mobile migrant populations will be implemented in over 400 rural villages in Cambodia and Lao PDR to determine its effectiveness, acceptability and sustainability.
Community impact
This project is implemented to develop and field-test the effective personal protection package(s) for MMPs and forest goers to better cut malaria transmission in these groups; thereby contributing towards malaria elimination in GMS and broadly in the Asia-pacific region.
Partners
Funding partners
- The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria
- National Health and Medical Research Council
Collaborators
- National Malaria Control Programme, Myanmar
- Centre of Malariology Parasitology and Entomology, Lao PDR
- National Centre for Parasitology Entomology and Malaria Control, Cambodia
- National Institute of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology, Vietnam
- Health Poverty Action
- Deakin University, Australia
Project contacts
Professor Freya J.I. Fowkes
Deputy Program Director, Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health; Head, Malaria and Infectious Disease Epidemiology
Project team
Professor Freya J.I. Fowkes
Deputy Program Director, Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health; Head, Malaria and Infectious Disease Epidemiology
Dr Daniela da Silva Goncalves
Laboratory Manager
Dr Win Han Oo
Honorary Senior Research Fellow
Chad Hughes
Deputy Director, International Operations; Head, International Development
Dr Ellen Kearney
Honorary Research Fellow
Aung Lwin
Head of Finance - Burnet Myanmar
Dr Phone Myint Win
Country Representative, Myanmar
Caroline Ndungu
Project Accountant
Associate Professor Nick Scott
Head, Modelling and Biostatistics
