LFHCK a.k.a LiFeHaCK

Mosquitoes, Malaria, and Markets: Health Systems Through Public-Private Partnerships


By Joannitta JOANNIDES

On 20 August, as we observed World Mosquito Day, it serves as a strong reminder that overcoming mosquito-transmitted illnesses such as malaria demands increased dedication and more effective approaches—particularly in nations like Ghana, where the disease prevalence is still significant.

By 2024, more than 5.3 million instances were recorded, accounting for 2.5% of all reported cases globally and almost 2% of total malaria-related fatalities.
Even though there has been a decrease in the number of children below five years old who fall ill, the nationwide rate has fallen to 8.6%, yet certain remote regions continue to report figures up to 12.8%.
The illness occurs throughout the entire year, but there are more instances between May and November.

Key advancements like long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs) play a crucial role in combating malaria. With increasing concerns about pesticide resistance, ongoing innovation is vital to maintain the effectiveness of critical resources such as these in safeguarding high-risk groups.

Continuing their dedication to advancing LLIN technology to counteract pesticide resistance, Vestergaard—a social enterprise specializing in materials research—has launched a new type of mosquito net called PermaNet Dual, featuring two active ingredients. A public-private collaboration located in Accra drives the creation of this product and other Vestergaard advancements aimed at combating malaria across not only Ghana but throughout Africa.

The Vestergaard–Noguchi Vector Labs (VNVL), established in 2011, represents an enduring public-private partnership involving Vestergaard and the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), a top-tier medical research organization based in Ghana.

Led by Ghanaian researchers, VNVL holds a crucial position within Ghana’s public health system. It aids the Ghana National Malaria Elimination Program (NMEP) and various malaria prevention efforts, while also offering assistance with other mosquito-transmitted illnesses such as dengue fever via the West African Aedes Surveillance Network (WAASuN).

In the framework of Ghana’s NMEP, VNVL concentrates on funding for facilities development, tracking of pesticide resistance, and training programs. It is also involved in the National Insecticide Resistance Monitoring Partnership (NIRMOP).

More than $1 million has been allocated to VNVL, which involves setting up infrastructure such as a specialized zone for breeding mosquitoes for experiments, along with a lab focused on researching the genetic factors contributing to pesticide resistance. Specialized testing and molecular labs allow researchers to determine mosquito species and evaluate their level of resistance to pesticides, alongside determining the most suitable LLINs based on regional pesticide resistance conditions.

The center nurtures future researchers by welcoming young scientists and participants from the National Service Scheme. It employs 19 scientists, provides seconded personnel to NMIMR, and finances an annual postdoctoral fellowship initiative aimed at addressing research shortfalls related to malaria eradication within NMEP objectives.

Public-private partnerships such as VNVL have demonstrated significant potential in tackling public health issues, proving most effective when they direct funding toward public health facilities and community-led advancements.

Additional notable successes comprise the AngloGold Ashanti Malaria Control Initiative, which significantly lowered malaria prevalence in Obuasi via focused insecticide application and active participation from local residents. Such partnerships contribute to developing sustainable capabilities, minimize reliance on assistance, and provide customized approaches that address specific community requirements.

Public-private partnerships continue to play a crucial role in meeting Africa’s goals for controlling and eliminating malaria, as well as in addressing new health challenges linked to climate change. Achieving success depends on robust PPP structures backed by governments that promote shared responsibility among both public and private entities, safeguard scientific autonomy, and guarantee that collaborations yield tangible outcomes. These structures allow the private sector to invest in expandable, community-managed approaches that enhance sustainable capabilities within African healthcare systems and organizations.

In various parts of Africa, talent, organizations, and aspirations are already present. The key requirement today is partnerships that are courageous enough to equal these strengths. Vestergaard’s new five-year pledge to VNVL serves as an illustration of how science, effective leadership, and sustained backing can unite, enhancing research capabilities via education, cooperation, and advancements in controlling disease vectors.

The influence stems from being aligned with long-term national objectives, grounded in local leadership—developing scientific facilities inside the nation, putting native scientists in charge, and making sure expertise and capabilities stay where they’re most required.

Malaria needs to be eradicated. Embracing the PPP approach can support this goal in Ghana and further afield.

The author serves as a Laboratory Supervisor at Vestergaard–Noguchi Vector Labs.

Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).

Exit mobile version