Decentralizing Ento Activities in the DRC Despite COVID-19

This week’s Fist Bump goes out to VL Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for their successful decentralization of select entomological surveillance activities amidst COViD-19. Given the geographical size of the DRC, the NMCP expressed the wish to decentralize entomological surveillance activities (instead of relying on Kinshasa-based entomologists). VL DRC shared this vision and is committed to reinforcing provincial capacity through training of entomological technicians on basic entomological techniques led by the National Institute of Biomedical Research. In total, 24 technicians in 8 provinces (Sankuru, Sud Kivu, Haut Katanga, Tshopo, Tanganyika, Kasai Central, Kongo Central and Mai-Ndombe) received sufficient training to conduct insecticide susceptibility testing independently in 2020. In addition, longitudinal surveillance is also being conducted independently in three provinces (Sankuru, Mai-Ndombe and Kongo Central).

Decentralization of insecticide susceptibility testing, unfortunately, coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic. After adapting to the COVID-19 preventive measures recommended by local and national authorities and following the PMI COVID-19 mitigation protocols, provincial technicians were able to conduct insecticide susceptibility testing (including PBO synergist tests) with success.

Congrats VL DRC for continuing this important work!