Addressing malaria vector control challenges in South Sudan: proposed recommendations

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Tropical Medicine
• Vector-Borne Disease Control

Background:

• The Republic of South Sudan (RSS) faces significant health challenges, including a high burden of vector-borne diseases like malaria, exacerbated by underdeveloped infrastructure and human resources.
• The national malaria strategic plan (2006-2011) prioritized long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) but had a weak vector control component, with a draft integrated vector management (IVM) plan (2007-2012) remaining unimplemented.

Discussion:

• A national malaria vector control conference was convened in Juba (October 2012) to address the weaknesses in malaria vector control implementation and coordination.
• The conference brought together diverse stakeholders, including the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP), government ministries, academia, NGOs, and policymakers, to foster collaboration.

Key Insights:

• The conference highlighted the need to strengthen the vector control team within the NMCP to build national capacity.
• Recommendations focused on integrating and augmenting vector control efforts with other interventions under the IVM strategy, emphasizing adherence to its core elements.

Outlook:

• The renewed focus on IVM aims to improve the coordination, implementation, and coverage of malaria vector control tools in South Sudan.
• Strengthening national capacity and technical collaboration is crucial for the effective and sustainable management of malaria vectors.