A research and InNOvation partnership for enhancing the surveillance and control of mosquito VECtors of emerging arboviruses (INOVEC)

Over the past 10 years, arboviral diseases, such as dengue, Zika, chikungunya and yellow fever, have (re)emerged with increasing prevalence and severity. Although these arboviral diseases are more prevalent in tropical countries, increasing numbers of autochthonous cases are being reported from European countries; hence raising concerns about the potential for the establishment of these pathogens in temperate regions. In the absence of effective vaccines and treatments, preventing these diseases at the global scale continues to depend largely on controlling mosquito vector populations, interrupting human-vector contact or both. Unfortunately, the recent resurgence of Aedes transmitted arboviral diseases worldwide highlights the limitations of current vector control to prevent epidemics and to reduce the incidence of diseases. New, affordable, scalable and community-based vector control measures are urgently needed to prevent the introduction, spread and establishment of Aedes-borne diseases in Europe and beyond. INOVEC will gather 21 academic and non-academic institutions specialized in vector biology, social sciences and product development to stimulate basic and applied research, strengthen capacities, promote career development and facilitate knowledge and technology transfer to countries at increasing risk of arboviral diseases. This project is committed to coordinate and integrate sectors in order to maximize impact, raise awareness of policy makers and stakeholders, and participate in the improvement of innovation potential at the European and global level. INOVEC will contribute to international efforts to improve global health and human well-being by reducing the burden of vector borne diseases.

The implementation will be within 6 work packages including Integrated Monitoring Surveillance, target interventions, social sciences, advanced Training and Education, management and ethics requirements respectively, but IHI will oversee the social science work packages and be involved in training and education which will significantly contribute to building capacities of different research scientists through secondments, attending workshops, testing equipment’s as well as monitoring, evaluations and surveillance of mosquitoes. The social science work will focus on understanding factors that determine the social acceptability and context specific effectiveness of new tools for vector control targeting invasive species.

Project Details

Health Workforce
Social Science
Surveillance
Tools for Elimination

Jan 2023 — Dec 2026

$97,476

Tanzania