Enhanced Entomological Surveillance (EES)
Introduction
Enhanced entomological surveillance is a key tool in understanding the impact of vector control on malaria vector density, Anopheles species composition, and Plasmodium parasite transmission. The Enhanced Entomological Surveillance project (EES) was conducted in 7 districts of Koboko, Moyo, Adjumani, Kasese, Jinja, Mubende and Busia. The EES activities was concluded in August 2023. Through the EES project, target districts routinely generate data for monitoring the impact of vector control interventions on malaria vector densities, Plasmodium falciparum sporozoite infection rates, changes in species composition and patterns of insecticide resistance.
The EES project supported the existing entomological surveillance efforts in the participating districts in order to increase the scope and improve coverage of vector surveillance in Uganda.
Project summary
The Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration (IDRC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and in partnership with the District Local Government, was given the mandate to support the establishment of routine entomological monitoring in several districts in Uganda.
The Enhanced Entomological Surveillance (EES) was a three-year project whose main aim was to boost routine entomological surveillance in seven districts in Uganda. The project was milestone driven with 3 key phases of implementation namely; 1) project preparation, 2) project start-up, and 3) routine EES. Vector control officers (VCOs) and village health teams (VHTs) to support the entomology surveillance activities were identified, and trained on how to support the different activities of the project including mosquito collection and analysis.
In addition, this project will evaluate the impact of malaria control interventions on malaria vector densities, species composition, seasonal vector variations, malaria sporozoite infection, vector behaviour and as well monitor the development of insecticide resistance. These data will generate evidence for efficient malaria vector control in Uganda, and in areas with similar settings.
Entomological surveillance data was generated through the existing district structures, facilitated by the Vector Control Officers (VCOs) and Village Health Teams (VHTs). This data was recorded into the DHIS-2 database for district and utilization.
Study aims
The primary objectives of the EES project were as follows;
To examine the impact of current vector control interventions on malaria vector densities, vector behaviour, and species composition.
1) To examine the impact of current vector control interventions on malaria vector densities, vector behaviour, and species composition.
2) To monitor the status and intensity of insecticide resistance
3) To establish the entomological inoculation rates in the selected districts.
4) To build the capacity of districts to conduct routine entomological surveillance.
Achievements
The EES project has built the capacity of VCOs and VHTs for conducting entomological surveillance through:
1) routine mosquito collection:
2) morphological identification of malaria vectors; 3) estimating of vector densities;
4) entry of the entomological data into the District Health Information System (DHIS2) and
5) using the DHIS2 data to make reports. Utilization of entomological data for decision making at the district level is actively encouraged.
6} Tooling of the 7 districts to perform routine Entomological surveillance
