A new study, published in the Lancet Infectious Diseases, adds to the body of evidence around integrated vector management (IVM) for dengue control in urban settings. Conducted in Malaysia, the research evaluated a multi-tool intervention combining the use of auto-dissemination devices (ADDs), In2Care® Mosquito Traps, targeted outdoor residual spraying using K-Othrine® Polyzone (an Envu product), combined with community engagement, targeting Aedes aegypti, the primary dengue vector.
The study offers important operational insights into how integrated approaches perform under real-world urban conditions. In Malaysia, where dengue remains a persistent public health threat, this kind of evidence is essential for shaping effective, locally adapted control strategies.
This study was of a randomised controlled trial coordinated by the Malaysian Ministry of Health and supported by Hospices Civils de Lyon, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Envu, In2Care and IVCC. You can read more about the study design in the published protocol paper.
Why this research matters
As urbanisation, climate variability, and insecticide resistance escalate dengue risk across Southeast Asia, research and development in Aedes vector control must keep pace. Trials like this contribute to a deeper understanding of which tools work, in what settings, and under what operational conditions.
At IVCC, we are committed to supporting locally led innovation and evidence generation in the Asia-Pacific region. Field studies like this help inform product development, guide procurement and policy, and ensure that new tools address the complex realities of dengue transmission in urban environments.
Next steps
The study also highlights the need for continued investment in improved tools and operational research. As part of our portfolio, IVCC continues to support partnerships to develop and evaluate novel Aedes control technologies. Building on learnings from the iDEM project, IVCC is now working with a number of Malaysian partners to develop a regional testing platform for Aedes control tools in the country, specifically focussing on the registration and adoption into disease control programmes of spatial emanators and next-generation Indoor and Outdoor Residual Spraying.
IVCC is proud to support this work through our collaboration in the Asia-Pacific region, made possible with the support of the Australian Government and UK International Development from the UK government.
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About iDEM
The Intervention for Dengue Epidemiology in Malaysia (iDEM) aimed to assess if Dengue control programs can be based on prevention, instead of treatment in an urban setting. The project was a cluster randomized controlled trial investigating the effectiveness of integrated vector management (IVM) strategies in reducing dengue incidence in urban Malaysia. The study focuses on preventive approaches like targeted outdoor residual spraying and the use of auto-dissemination devices (ADDs, combined with community engagement. The project aims to assess if these strategies can effectively decrease dengue cases in urban settings compared to routine vector control activities.