STRIVE is a collaborative project focused on preventing and responding to vector-borne diseases (VBD), such as malaria. STRIVE aims to strengthen VBD surveillance and research in Papua New Guinea (PNG), Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. We support health systems to create policies and approaches that can prevent and eliminate VBD. Read more about the STRIVE project.
Our annual report describes how we are:
Read the 2024 STRIVE annual report to learn about project achievements and more.
2024 STRIVE annual report [PDF 19.5 MB] 2024 STRIVE annual report accessible [DOCX 13.4 MB]In 2024, STRIVE was awarded 4 more years of funding to continue work in PNG and expand in the broader Pacific region. STRIVE is supported by the Australian Government through the Partnerships for a Healthy Region Initiative. For the next phase of this project, we'll build on our work in Papua New Guinea to support research and health systems in Vanuatu and Solomon Islands. There will be more collaboration, and a stronger collective effort to monitor and control vector-borne diseases in the region.
It's important to identify and contain the spread of vector-borne diseases. To do this we are developing better ways to collect, monitor and analyse data on disease trends and provide evidence for informed decision making. Key achievements in 2024 include:
We're working with partners to research VBDs at a molecular level. Molecular research, including analyses of blood tests, helps us to better detect and monitor new types of pathogens, and resistance to anti-malarial drugs.
In 2024, we used this data to test for different types of VBDs and better understand the distribution of different diseases. We also developed a new test to detect a parasite mutation that is more resistant to anti-malarial drugs. This information is important as it helps public health programs use their resources in targeted and efficient ways.
Vectors are the living organisms that transmit pathogens. For example, mosquitos are vectors that transmit malaria and dengue fever. In 2024, we worked with partners to track areas where some insecticides are losing their effectiveness. This data helped to identify the best types of insecticides to use in different regions.
We also held training for staff to collect and analyse information on larval (young vectors) habitats, so that public health officials can make informed decisions about vector control.
In 2024, we partnered with Provincial Health Authorities and the National Department of Health in PNG to transfer the management of stock and medical supplies to a new system to make the management of supplies more effective. We also conducted assessments to support policy recommendations and address challenges.
This year, the STRIVE project team established new partnerships in Vanuatu and Solomon Islands. New partners include:
With these regional relationships, we can gather and share our knowledge in the fight against VBDs in the Pacific.
In 2024, the STRIVE team completed an action plan for gender equity, disability and social inclusion. Moving forward, we will work to put this strategy and plan into action.
STRIVE is taking a ‘planetary health’ approach. This means we account for the impact of climate, animals, and ecosystems on vector-borne diseases. We plan to integrate climate change models into our disease surveillance. We also aim to understand how climate change will impact communities.