Strengthening collaboration for effective vector-borne disease control
Categories: Action Line 1: Surveillance and monitoring, Action Line 2: Evidence-based policy strategy and capacity building, Assessments of climate and health risks and GHG emissions, Climate-informed health programmes, Climate-related emergency preparedness and management, Climate-transformative leadership and governance, Health and climate research, Integrated risks, monitoring, early warning, and GHG emissions tracking, Management of environmental determinants of health, Health systems wide resilience, Vector distribution and ecology
Organizations: Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore
Country: Multiple countries in the Asia-Pacific region, with specific case studies and collaborative efforts involving Bangladesh, Indonesia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, and Thailand
The intervention
The APMEN Climate, Environmental Change and Malaria Special Interest Group led a multi-country initiative to strengthen malaria and vector-borne disease control in the context of changing climate and environmental conditions. This included hosting a regional workshop to foster knowledge exchange, publishing a case study that documented adaptive strategies, and disseminating insights through newsletter and webinars. The intervention focused on integrating climate resilience into vector surveillance and control programmes, promoting intersectoral collaboration, and identifying policy and funding gaps that hinder effective response to climate-driven health threats.
Success factors
The intervention’s success stemmed from its participatory and evidence-based design. By engaging national malaria programmes, researchers, and regional stakeholders, the Special Interest Group ensured that the strategies were contextually relevant and grounded in local realities. The use of case studies and workshops allowed for the sharing of practical experiences and challenges, while the dissemination of findings through newsletter and webinars broadened the reach and impact. The intervention also emphasised adaptive planning and cross-sectoral coordination, which are critical for addressing the complex interplay between climate change and disease transmission.
Recommendations
To replicate this intervention in another context, it is essential to prioritise stakeholder engagement from the outset, including health, environment, and climate sectors. Build on existing surveillance and control systems by integrating climate risk assessments and adaptive strategies. Regional knowledge exchange should also be facilitated through workshops and case studies to promote learning and innovation. Ensure that communication materials (e.g., newsletters, webinars) are tailored to diverse audiences to maximise uptake. Lastly, advocate for sustained funding and policy support to institutionalise climate-resilient approaches within national health strategies.
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