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Fight against malaria vectors: The UCRC distributes long-lasting impregnated mosquito nets as part of the ATSB/IVCC project

The village of Sanankoro Djitoumou hosted on Tuesday, December 27, 2022, the official launch of the distribution operation of long-lasting insecticide-treated mosquito nets (LLINs). This donation is part of the study on the Attractive Targeted Sugar Baits (ATSB), against malaria vectors, initiated by the University Clinical Research Center (UCRC). (VIDEO)

Chaired by Dr Hamadoun DICKO, technical adviser to the Ministry of Health and Social Development, the ceremony took place in the presence of the Director of the National Malaria Control Program (PNLP), Lieutenant-Colonel Aïssata KONE, the Representative of the National Committee Health and Life Sciences Ethics CNESS, Prof. Mahamadou DIAKITE, the Director of the UCRC, Prof. Seydou DOUMBIA, representatives of the National and Regional Health Directorates, as well as administrative, traditional and customary authorities of Ouelessebougou.

In his welcome speech, the mayor of the rural commune of Sanankoro Djitoumou, Mr. Moussa SAMAKE, was delighted with the choice made for his village to launch the distribution operation of more than 1,000 long-lasting impregnated mosquito nets which, according to him, constitutes a fundamental pillar of the strategy to fight against Malaria. After thanking and congratulating the University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) for the initiative, he recognized the effectiveness of the ATSB, in reducing the transmission of malaria in his locality. “At the beginning of the trial, we were very reluctant for fear that this tool would contribute to the reproduction of malaria vectors or the deterioration of the health of our people. But today, we recognize its effectiveness because we see the reduction of cases of malaria in pregnant women and infants…”, he testified.

To face growing resistance of vectors to insecticides currently used for indoor insecticide spraying (IRS) and long-lasting insecticide-treated bed nets (LLINs), the UCRC has set up the ATSB/IVCC project. This project, which is in its study phase or phase III, offers an innovative approach that traps mosquitoes in the wild. “As the growing resistance to insecticides currently used in existing devices threatens efforts to fight malaria, we decided with our Israeli partner Westham Co, to implement a new tool against malaria vectors. The Attractive Targeted Sugar Baits (ATSB) is placed outside dwellings and consists of a source of sugar and an insecticide (dinotefuran). It attracts and kills the mosquitoes that feed there…”, said Professor DOUMBIA.

ATSB, this tool can remain effective for at least six months

The ATSB has a protective membrane that covers and protects the bait from rain and dust. This membrane also serves as a barrier to pollinators (e.g. bees). The tool, which can remain effective for at least six months, consists of simple and widely available ingredients. It respects the environment, a high proportion of the mass being fully biodegradable.

In Mali, in 2018, a first entomological evaluation measured the effect of ATSB on mosquitoes and showed that around 30% of mosquitoes took their food in the stations, resulting in a 90% reduction in the vector population. This study also reported no safety risks to humans and non-target organisms, including pollinators. “After careful studies, we assure you that this new vector control tool has no risk for the safety of humans, non-target organisms…“, reassured Professor Mahamadou DIAKITE of the National Ethics Committee for Health and Life Sciences (CNESS).

The ATSB, which reinforces the two major interventions in the fight against malaria vectors, namely indoor insecticide spraying (IRS) and long-lasting insecticide-treated bed nets (LLINs), “provides the opportunity the actors of the socio-health system to improve the key indicators of coverage in the prevention of malaria“, indicated Dr. Hamadoun DICKO. After having addressed the sincere thanks of the High Authorities of the country to the UCRC for its accompaniment in the fight against infectious diseases for the improvement of the health of the populations, he said “the best health policies everywhere in the world are based on primary prevention“.

The University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) of the University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB) is a research institution in the field of health. It intervenes in the fight against infectious diseases, including malaria. The ongoing trial in the health districts of Kati, Kangaba and Ouélessebougou involves 110 villages, including 38 where malaria transmission is more endemic.

Ibrahima DIA/communication UCRC-Mali

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Ibrahima DIA

Communication Officer of the University Clinical Research Center (UCRC). idia@icermali.org/diaou270@yahoo.fr

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