Niger NMCP Deputy Coordinator Participated in Entomological Monitoring

This week’s fist bump goes out to VectorLink Niger and Niger’s NMCP Deputy Director, Dr. Idrissa SABITI, for effective collaboration and actively taking part in entomological monitoring. Entomological surveillance is a key component of vector control as it provides information on vector species like spatial and temporal distribution, biting and resting behavior, and susceptibility to insecticides. VectorLink Niger, in collaboration with CERMES and NMCP, conducts monthly vector bionomics monitoring in six selected sentinel sites, and tests vector susceptibility to insecticides in fifteen sites.

During the November 2021 field collection, Dr. SABITI, who had never seen how the data collections were conducted, visited the sentinel site of Gaya to check-in with field staff and understand how data is collected. He was accompanied by VectorLink Niger COP, Hadiza SOUMAILA, who helped explain the entomological methods and techniques used for data collection.

The entomological data collected over the years provided information on the susceptibility status of An. gambiae s.l. across the country and supported the NMCP in making evidence-based decisions in the strategic deployment of malaria vector control tools. As a result, the 2019 and 2020 data guided the Niger NMCP to plan the procurement of PBO and IG2 nets for the 2022 mass distribution campaign as well as for routine distribution.

The deputy director was fascinated by the work undertaken by the team and applauded the field teams for the tedious work they were doing to help the country.

Keep up the great work, all!