Malaria Research Gets an Upgrade!

This week’s Fist Bump goes to VectorLink Zimbabwe for the opening of the Malaria Research and Reference Insectary at Africa University (AU) on October 22, 2021.

The insectary will significantly enhance the nation’s fight against malaria and is a reliable source of reference colony mosquitoes required for both research and disease control. Previously, the PMI VectorLink Project and the NMCP relied on field collected mosquitoes for bioassay tests. Field collected mosquitoes have the major disadvantage of being an unknown species or having uncertain susceptibility to insecticides. The insectary will primarily be used by the NMCP and partners for disease control and research, but students both nationally and internationally will benefit from internships at the facility.

Construction took nine months to complete, most of which occurred during lockdown due to COVID-19. The opening ceremony was also delayed as a result. The team had to work with a curfew, with VectorLink team members having to travel 263km one way and come back before curfew. However, progress continued despite the delays and the team, along with AU, Concrete Master, and an external project manager, met virtually and in person to ensure progress continued.

The insectary is a unique, purpose-built facility that is a milestone in the fight against malaria in Zimbabwe that can become a regional training hub in vector control.

Congratulations on this milestone, VectorLink Zimbabwe!