New tools, technologies and approaches for vector control in sub-Saharan Africa

ExpectedOutcome:

Proposals under this topic should aim to deliver results that are directed, tailored towards, and contributing to the development and evaluation of tools, technologies and approaches for vector-borne diseases, including vector control and disease management technologies.

Scope:

Background:

Vector-borne diseases^[1] account for more than 17% of all infectious diseases, causing more than 700000 deaths annually. They are human illnesses caused by parasites, virus and bacteria that are transmitted by vectors, living organisms that can transmit infectious pathogens between humans or from animals to humans. Most vectors are bloodsucking insects, such as mosquitos and ticks.

The burden of vector-borne diseases is highest in tropical and subtropical areas, and they disproportionately affect the poorest populations. Continuing urbanization and climate change are driving the expansion of the geographic range in which many of these vectors can thrive. Increasing numbers of autochthonous cases have also been reported from European countries².

The "Global Vector Control Response (GVCR) 2017–2030", approved by the World Health Assembly in 2017, supports the implementation of approaches to vector control that will enable the achievement of disease-specific national and global goals and contribute to achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and Universal Health Coverage.

Many of vector-borne diseases are preventable, through protective measure and community mobilisation. Vaccines can help prevent some vector-borne diseases, such as yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, tick-borne encephalitis. Another crucial element in reducing the burden of vector-borne diseases is behavioural change. Access to water and sanitation is another very important factor in disease control and elimination. However, not all vector-borne diseases have effective vaccines available and/or can be effectively prevented.

Scope:

Within the scope of this topical area should be innovative interventions that target any vector-borne disease including transmission through mosquitos, ticks, flies, fleas, lice, aquatic snails, and bugs.

Proposals submitted to this call topic must focus on vectors responsible for the transmission of one or more diseases with the scope of the Global Health EDCTP3 JU scope (see Table 1). To that end, the following diseases are considered as relevant to this call topic:

Chikungunya, Dengue, Lymphatic filariasis, Rift Valley fever, Yellow Fever, Schistosomiasis, Onchocerciasis, Plague, Leishmaniasis, Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, Sleeping sickness and malaria.

Table 1: Vector-Borne infectious diseases in the scope of the Global Health EDCTP3 JU

Intervention could include novel or improved approaches of:

• Vector traps;
• Genetic manipulation;
• Sterilization agents;
• Reduced pathogen transmission by microorganisms;
• Insecticide-treated nets (ITN);
• Chemosensory interference, specifically spatial repellents, bait station and repel and lure strategies;
• Systemic insecticides and endectocides;
• Improvements in housing/urbanisation;
• Monitoring and surveillance tools.

Emphasis should be given to interventions at the community level and to the barriers of vector-control in the health system. Initiatives with linkage to climate change impact are welcome.

Applicants are reminded of the expectation that proposals should come from research consortia with a strong representation of institutions and researchers from sub-Saharan African countries, including involvement of Franco/Lusophone countries if possible. Applicants are also reminded of the expectation of reaching out to organisations in countries with relatively lower research capacities.

^[1]Vector-borne diseases (who.int) and Disease vectors (europa.eu)

Expected Impact:

Activities funded under the 2024 work programme of the Global Health EDCTP3 JU calls for proposals should contribute to:

• reduce the individual, social, and economic burdens of infectious diseases in sub-Saharan Africa through the development and uptake of new or improved interventions, and
• increase health security in sub-Saharan Africa and globally by reducing the risk of outbreaks and pandemics and enhancing national and regional capacity to address antimicrobial resistance.
• Progressing towards the achievement of SDG3 ‘Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages’ in sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries;
• Enable the implementation of the short- and medium-term actions foreseen by the AU EU Innovation Agenda (adopted in July 2023) in the area of public health and the EU Global Health Strategy (November 2022);
  • Improve equitable access to a full range of essential health services from health promotion to disease prevention and affordable quality treatment, rehabilitation and palliative care to fight communicable diseases;
  • Expand partnerships based on equal footing, co-ownership, mutual interest and strategic priorities;
• Provide evidence for informed health policies and guidelines within public health systems in SSA and at international level;
• Enhance sustainable global scientific collaboration in health research and international cooperation across SSA;
• Develop novel, innovative HIV therapeutics for reducing the disease burden of HIV in SSA
• Research on existing Malaria vaccines and development of new promising candidates
• Accelerating development and integration of therapeutics against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in SSA;
• Tackle Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) through R&D in novel and existing antimicrobials
• Develop new tools, technologies and approaches for vector control in SSA;
• Develop innovative digital health solutions for SSA.
• Build appropriate local capacity.