Priorities for Broadening the Malaria Vector Control Tool Kit

Priscille Barreaux, Antoine M.G. Barreaux, Eleanore D. Sternberg, Eunho Suh, Jessica L. Waite, Shelley A. Whitehead, Matthew B. Thomas*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS) have contributed substantially to reductions in the burden of malaria in the past 15 years. Building on this foundation, the goal is now to drive malaria towards elimination. Vector control remains central to this goal, but there are limitations to what is achievable with the current tools. Here we highlight how a broader appreciation of adult mosquito behavior is yielding a number of supplementary approaches to bolster the vector-control tool kit. We emphasize tools that offer new modes of control and could realistically contribute to operational control in the next 5 years. Promoting complementary tools that are close to field-ready is a priority for achieving the global malaria-control targets. The past decade has seen a dramatic decline in the burden of malaria, with vector control playing a central role. The aim is now to build on this recent success and progress towards elimination. Current core vector-control tools alone are insufficient to achieve this goal, as they fail to target all adult mosquitoes, and emerging insecticide resistance is threating their effectiveness. By considering the full range of adult mosquito behaviors, a number of supplementary tools, now under development, complement the core tools and create opportunities for tackling resistance and improving overall control

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)763-774
Number of pages12
JournalTrends in parasitology
Volume33
Issue number10
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 28 Jun 2017

Keywords

  • Anopheles
  • behavior
  • insecticide resistance
  • integrated vector management
  • malaria
  • vector control

Cite this