Demonstrating impact of mosquito-assisted larviciding (autodissemination) as a complementary malaria intervention in rural Tanzania
Wellcome Trust
Ifakara Health Institute
Long-lasting insecticide treated nets (LLINs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS) have significantly reduced malaria burden across sub-Saharan Africa [1], but are increasingly threatened by challenges such as mosquito resistance against common public health insecticides [2]. This necessitates innovative complementary tools to sustain the gains [3]. Mosquito-driven autodissemination of pyriproxyfen (PPF) has previously been demonstrated to effectively reduce populations of the dengue vector, Aedes aegypti in field trials [4, 5]. In recent years, we have demonstrated similar potential against dominant malaria vectors, Anopheles gambiae and An. arabiensis under semi-field settings in Tanzania [6, 7]. This approach could potentially complement disease control by targeting mosquitoes in aquatic habitats [8]. However, it still needs field-validation and optimization for low-income endemic communities. Here, I propose to optimize the PPF-autodissemination technology and demonstrate its entomological impact as a complementary intervention in Tanzanian villages where malaria persists despite widespread LLINs use. I will also simulate potential epidemiological impact and develop practical community-engagement approaches for scaling-up the technology. Unlike most insecticides for malaria control, Pyriproxyfen has lower resistance risk [9], and can control both susceptible and resistant mosquitoes through adult emergence inhibition and sterilization [10]. This project will cost-effectively accelerate overall malaria elimination goals.
3.2 Interventions to alter physical and biological environmental risks