New tools are needed to tackle malaria transmission that occurs outdoors, where existing vector control interventions offer limited protection. While insecticide-treated nets and indoor residual spraying have driven significant progress, a growing proportion of transmission occurs outside the home, requiring complementary approaches.
To help address this challenge, IVCC has partnered with the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences to launch a new 12-month proof-of-concept project led by Professor Rickard Ignell. The project will evaluate and optimise the lure component of a synthetic cattle urine odour trapping system.
The research will combine laboratory and semi-field experiments to assess attractiveness across multiple malaria vector species and physiological states. This will help build evidence on how the system performs under different conditions.
Semi-field studies will be led by Professor Sarah Moore at the Ifakara Health Institute in Tanzania. Consultant Professor Richard Hopkins will provide technical support to the project.
The project was selected following IVCC’s call for proposals, which sought innovative tools to address gaps in the malaria vector control toolbox. It forms part of IVCC’s outdoor biting portfolio, which focuses on developing new interventions to tackle residual transmission and complement existing tools.
Image courtesy of Ifakara Health Institute.
