Pakistan has been chosen to spearhead the International Exchange Programme Anopheles stephensi Africa — South Asia familiarisation Programme, owing to its extensive data and expertise in the field. The Directorate of Malaria Control (DoMC), part of the Ministry of National Health Services, has been designated for this exchange initiative.
As part of the programme, DoMC will host a training and capacity-building session for nine African countries focused on Anopheles stephensi surveillance and control. Highlighting the significance of this initiative, a senior official from DoMC emphasized that South Asia and certain parts of the Middle East have historically been endemic to Anopheles stephensi, a proficient malaria vector.
Since 2013, this species has spread to several African nations, including Djibouti, Nigeria, Kenya, Somalia, and Sudan. Of particular concern is its ability to thrive in urban environments, which marks a notable shift in malaria epidemiology, potentially exposing millions of urban residents in Africa to the disease.
Given India and Pakistan's extensive experience in Anopheles stephensi surveillance and control, both countries have been invited to share their insights with African colleagues involved in malaria control efforts
As part of the programme, DoMC will host a training and capacity-building session for nine African countries focused on Anopheles stephensi surveillance and control. Highlighting the significance of this initiative, a senior official from DoMC emphasized that South Asia and certain parts of the Middle East have historically been endemic to Anopheles stephensi, a proficient malaria vector.
Since 2013, this species has spread to several African nations, including Djibouti, Nigeria, Kenya, Somalia, and Sudan. Of particular concern is its ability to thrive in urban environments, which marks a notable shift in malaria epidemiology, potentially exposing millions of urban residents in Africa to the disease.
Given India and Pakistan's extensive experience in Anopheles stephensi surveillance and control, both countries have been invited to share their insights with African colleagues involved in malaria control efforts