PMI VectorLink Niger

Objectives

The project’s key objectives for each component are as follows:

Entomological monitoring:

• Determine the susceptibility of the primary malaria vector, gambiae s.l., to insecticides in 15 sentinel sites selected by the NMCP, which are spread across the four transmission zones;
• Measure the intensity of resistance to insecticides and determine the mechanism of resistance in the sites where resistance is detected;
• Monitor the density, species composition, behavior, and infectivity of malaria vectors in the six sentinel sites;
• Ensure the use of the District Health Information System 2 (DHIS2)-based VectorLink Collect database for improved entomological data monitoring, reporting, and decision making by relevant stakeholders; and
• Conduct ITN cone bioassays in accordance with WHO recommendations using wild collected gambiae s.l. from two localities selected by the NMCP, with ITNs procured by PMI for routine distribution.

National entomological monitoring capacity-strengthening activities:

• Conduct monthly meetings with CERMES staff and technicians and the NMCP Entomology Unit technicians to monitor progress toward objectives, follow up on activities, and identify/resolve challenges;
• Provide technical support to the CERMES in insectary management and report-writing with NMCP supervision;
• Conduct a refresher training in entomological collection methods;
• Support an advanced laboratory training for experienced entomologists at CERMES provided by the University of Notre Dame to ensure total capacity building on all PCR and ELISA techniques as well as the interpretation of PCR results as requested by CERMES;
• Support successful access and use of the DHIS2-based VectorLink Collect database by relevant users including CERMES, and the NMCP;
• Continue to offer data quality control and data interpretation support to build NCMP capacity to make evidence-based vector control decisions;
• Train two field technicians from the Districts of Keita and Balleyara on basic entomological techniques (building district level capacity in addition to the two agents trained in Gaya and Agadez in 2021); and
• Support the organization of two meetings of the vector control working group, to review country national data for decision making.

National capacity building for ITN distribution:

• Coordinate with the NMCP and PMI Impact Malaria project to organize and carry out an integrated bi-annual supportive supervision including ITN Continuous Distribution follow-up in the two PMI focus regions (Dosso and Tahoua);
• Support the presentation of results from ITN durability monitoring activities held over the three years following the 2018 mass campaign, with the final product being a peer-reviewed publication;
• Support radio dissemination of key messages in local languages about prenatal care and child health services in the two targeted regions;
• Provide financial support for a 3-day information visit by high level MOH persons (members of the organizing committee of the 2022 ITN mass distribution campaign) to inform the local authorities on the organization of the campaign (in a context of insecurity). The visit will be conducted  in the form of a workshop in Dosso and Tahoua bringing together all the 13 prefects of the districts concerned by the 2022 campaign; and
• Provide technical assistance during the ITN 2022 mass distribution campaign if requested by NMCP and CRS.