Vector-Borne Disease Control and Management in Irrigation Areas: A Neglected Critical Phenomenon in Malawi

Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) account for more than 17% of all infectious diseases, causing over 700,000 deaths annually, particularly among the poorest populations in tropical and subtropical areas. Climate change, particularly global warming, and certain human activities, including irrigation farming, exacerbate the situation by creating conducive environments that facilitate the breeding of vectors such as mosquitoes and snails. This qualitative study aimed to understand the VBD control and management policy landscape in irrigation areas by gathering perceptions from key stakeholders in the irrigation farming sector in Malawi. Respondents indicated that there are no specific VBD control and management policies targeting irrigation areas in Malawi and that stakeholders essentially work in silos. Notwithstanding this, the Malawi government is committed to expanding irrigation areas to address food security. We, therefore, call for the integration of VBD control and management in irrigation farming, utilising the One Health approach-a promising strategy that could bring significant benefits. Further, we recommend the provision of VBD control and management resources in irrigation investments and the involvement of VBD researchers in the formulation of irrigation policies.