Accra: The West African Aedes Surveillance Network (WAASuN) recently convened its 5th regional initiative in Accra to bolster surveillance and control capabilities against the growing threat of Aedes mosquitoes in Africa.
According to Ghana News Agency, the three-day meeting centered on enhancing participants' skills in data management and analysis, specifically tailored to the surveillance system in detecting and controlling Aedes-borne diseases such as Dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya, and Zika. The network aims to strengthen data collection and analysis, share expertise, and improve country-level preparedness to predict and respond to Aedes-related outbreaks.
The event brought together entomologists and public health professionals from West Africa and neighboring regions, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, and Cameroon. Aedes-borne diseases are caused by mosquito species identified by their black and white markings, which bite primarily during the day and breed in urban environments, necessitating tailored control methods.
Professor Samuel Dadzie, Chair of WAASuN, emphasized the network's significant role in addressing the rise in mosquito-borne disease outbreaks, which have intensified due to globalization, rapid urbanization, and climate change. He noted the progress made since WAASuN's inception nine years ago, with nearly 80 percent of West African countries now implementing some level of Aedes surveillance.
Prof. Dadzie, who is also an Associate Professor of Medical Entomology at the University of Ghana Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, stressed the urgent need for capacity building and proactive strategies, citing the 2023 dengue fever outbreak that affected 22 out of 27 African countries, predominantly in West Africa. He pointed out the importance of integrating efforts with existing malaria control programs to efficiently combat both vectors.
Dr. Evan Buckner, Assistant Professor at the University of Florida, shared best practices from the United States, advocating for an integrated vector management program using multiple types of control, such as larvicides and adulticides. Dr. Buckner highlighted the prevalence of Dengue, noting that symptoms often resemble a cold or flu, leading to underdiagnosis.
Dr. Fiona Braka, World Health Organisation Country Representative, highlighted the increasing threat of mosquito-borne diseases, attributing this primarily to population growth and urbanization, which create ideal conditions for vector survival. She emphasized the African region's need for enhanced surveillance and response capacity, underscoring the network's role in addressing systemic gaps, including strengthened laboratory capacity and systems.
The meeting was themed: 'Building Resilient Systems to Prevent and Mitigate Aedes-borne Diseases the Outbreak in Africa'.
