PMI VectorLink Côte d’Ivoire

Malaria is a leading public health challenge in Côte d’Ivoire. It accounts for about 43% of outpatient visits in health facilities. Malaria incidence in 2017 was 134 cases per 1,000 in the general population, and 247 per 1,000 among children under 5 (per the NMCP 2018 annual report).

The main malaria vector control method currently used in Côte d’Ivoire is the distribution and use of ITNs. ITN distribution is typically carried out through mass campaigns for universal coverage, and through routine distribution during antenatal visits and immunization of children under 1 year. The country’s 2016–2020 National Malaria Strategic Plan has selected IRS as an additional vector control method to reduce morbidity and mortality from malaria.

Since 2015, the NMCP has worked with four research institutes to conduct entomological monitoring including insecticide resistance monitoring and biannual vector surveillance (one collection in the dry and one in the rainy) in twelve sentinel sites selected across the country. These activities were implemented every two years in each of twelve sentinel sites (six sites one year and the other six the next year) from 2015-2017 with financial support from the Global Fund. PMI began supporting entomological monitoring in Cote d’Ivoire in 2018, enabling insecticide resistance monitoring in ten sites selected by the NMCP, four of which were also selected for monthly vector surveillance. In 2019, NMCP resumed biannual vector surveillance in all 12 sentinel sites with Global Fund support, PMI continued supporting monthly vector surveillance in another four sites (two selected for IRS and two control sites) through the VectorLink project, and insecticide resistance testing was conducted in 19 sites combined. Over the same period of time, several parallel entomological monitoring activities were conducted through the different research institute projects, including a three-year community evaluation of eave tubes funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.  

Activities and accomplishments:

• PMI VectorLink Côte d’Ivoire successfully introduced IRS at district-scale for the first time in Côte d’Ivoire in 2020.
• The project guided appropriate vector control decision-making, ensuring the good use of all the insecticide resistance monitoring data collected to support the NMCP’s decisions.
• The project strengthened capacity of the NMCP and partner research institutes, including the rehabilitation of the insectary at the National Institute for Public Hygiene (INHP) and the Center for Medical and Veterinary Entomology (CEMV) laboratory animal shelter and supporting the Institute Pierre Richet (IPR) with equipment and supplies.
• PMI VectorLink Côte d’Ivoire supported the creation of a vector control unit at the NMCP to manage and coordinate all issues related to vector control and entomology at the NMCP.

Capacity Building
Financing & Economics
Insecticide Resistance
Monitoring & Evaluation
Social Science
Surveillance
Vector Control

Nov 2017 — Mar 2023

Côte d'Ivoire

The PMI VectorLink Project