Training workshop on data collection, information exchange and informed decision-making within Integrated Vector Management (IVM) approach for disease vector control to reduce reliance on DDT

29-31 August 2012
International Centre for Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE)
Stockholm Convention Regional Center, Nairobi, Kenya

The workshop on data collection, information exchange and informed decision-making within Integrated Vector Management was held in Nairobi, Kenya from 29-31 August 2012 in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and with support from the International Centre for Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), which is also the Stockholm Convention Regional Center in Nairobi, Kenya . It was attended by national coordinators of the vector control programme and Stockholm Convention Focal Points from Ethiopia, Gambia, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Senegal, Swaziland, Uganda, and Zambia.

The workshop focused on systematic analysis of country status with respect to government agencies involved in management of DDT and other vector control chemicals through their lifecycle and information available for informed decision-making in disease vector control within Integrated Vector Management (IVM). The participants identified gaps, associated barriers and key elements required towards further enhancement of the sound management of DDT for disease vector control. Participants shared their experiences in implementing disease vector control programmes within the IVM principles and agreed to establish a network among the countries to document success stories.

The workshop also facilitated the participating countries in developing a work plan for the implementation of WHO/GEF project on “Establishment of efficient and effective data collection and reporting procedures for evaluating the continued need of DDT for disease vector control”.

For more information please see the workshop report.

Background

DDT is one of the Persistent Organic Pollutant (POP) pesticides regulated by the Stockholm Convention. The Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Convention allows the use of DDT for public health interventions for disease vector control as recommended by the WHO. Strengthening of in-country decision-making on Integrated IVM is one of the key elements of sustainable solutions for reducing reliance on DDT for disease vector control. IVM contributes to the reduction on the reliance on DDT for vector control, by increasing the efficiency of operations and by taking advantage of other methods and resources for vector control. Access to evidences in decision-making to properly integrate all available vector control tools are often not found in disease endemic countries.

Two initial workshops were conducted in collaboration with the WHO focusing on Kenya, Ethiopia, Zambia, Tanzania, Rwanda and Malawi and Uganda to increase the knowledge for the establishment of IVM in selected disease endemic countries in Africa. The countries now require support to properly establish the national infrastructure to facilitate multi-sector coordination for evidence-based decision-making in disease vector control which will form the basis for IVM.

WHO implements a project in collaboration with the Secretariat in Eritrea, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Morocco,. Namibia, Senegal, South Africa, Swaziland, Uganda, Yemen, Zambia, Gambia funded by the GEF on Establishment of efficient and effective data collection and reporting procedures for evaluating the continued need of DDT for disease vector control. This project facilitates countries establishing an efficient mechanism for reporting on DDT.