STRIVE annual report 2024: preventing and responding to vector-borne diseases

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: 

• monitoring data on vector-borne disease trends
• working with collaborators to detect emerging viruses and drug resistance
• tracking the organisms that spread disease, like mosquitos
• supporting policy changes to strengthen health systems
• strengthening relationships and exchanging knowledge with local organisations
• integrating gender equity, disability inclusion, and climate resilience considerations into vector-borne disease research and policies.

How STRIVE supports better health systems across the Pacific

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.

Tackling vector-borne diseases through data

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:

• completing 5 years of data collection in PNG
• expanding STRIVE’s sentinel site network from 8 to 9 clinics in PNG
• publishing an online dashboard to monitor VBD diagnosis and treatment
• piloting a vector surveillance project in Kiunga, PNG
• training nurses and health workers in the use of data for decision making. 

How we detect viral diseases with molecular science 

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.

Monitoring mosquitos and other vectors

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.

How STRIVE supports health policies in PNG

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.

Teaming up against vector-borne disease in the Pacific

This year, the STRIVE project team established new partnerships in Vanuatu and Solomon Islands. New partners include:

• Solomon Islands Ministry of Health and Medical Services
• Vanuatu Ministry of Health. 

With these regional relationships, we can gather and share our knowledge in the fight against VBDs in the Pacific.

Taking an intersectional approach to research and health

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.

Health is affected by climate, animals and ecosystems

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.