TDR- Vector Surveillance Networks and Sterile Insect Technique

The purpose of this NOFO is to reduce the burden of vector-borne diseases by building public health entomology capacity within regional networks around the globe to improve surveillance and control of arthropods of public health importance. Key objectives include developing and expanding regional expertise in surveillance and control of arthropods of public health importance; formalizing and encouraging mechanisms for information exchange between public health entomologists; strengthening networks and through them improve the public health impact of vector control and emergency response preparedness; and long-term sustainability of networks. Additionally, this project will build on ongoing work with to strengthen preparedness and response capacity for arboviral outbreaks through implementation and evaluation of sterile insect technique (SIT) in the Pacific to reduce vectors and risk for arboviral diseases. The project will evaluate SIT in the field in 3 Pacific Island countries/territories at-risk for Aedes-borne diseases to build the evidence base for implementing such tools to improve public health outcomes. Additional activities include continued technical and coordination support for entomological and epidemiological aspects of the SIT evaluation, reviewing outcomes at trial mid- and end-points, assessing cost-effectiveness of SIT, exploring opportunities to support SIT projects in Paraguay and Argentina considering recent Aedes-borne disease, and working with partners to promote large-scale, robustly designed SIT trials in different eco-epidemiological settings.