[Which structures in anti-vector control?]

The lack of efficient tools is often incriminated to explain the absence of anti-vectorial activities in control programmes of vector borne diseases. However, we must recognize that the available tools are under utilized due to the lack of appropriate structures. Existing structures are reviewed. So far, results achieved by the Primary Health Care System (PHCS) are scarce. In fact, even simple methods need specific know-how for execution and specialised knowledge for planning and supervision, which differ from those needed for medical care committed to the PHCS. To develop the use of simple methods, adequate structures have to be elaborated, maintaining a peripheral character but in direct connection with a central level, which provides expertise, supervision of the activities and evaluation of the results. The association of research and operational programmes is essential to face problems linked with epidemiological, environmental, socio-economical modifications or changes in sensitivity to insecticides and for the integration of new techniques. It is also this tandem "research-control operations" which will provide the best environment for training.