Integrated Vector Management (IVM) For Sustainable Malaria Control in Eastern Africa

The Bioprospecting Programme is engaged in the development of plant-derived larvicides for control of mosquito larvae in breeding habitats. This is part of an integrated project at icipe that seeks to promote community-based Integrated malaria vector management in Malindi and Nyabondo in Kenya and Tolay in Ethiopia for sustainable malaria control. There is significant interest in the use of natural insecticides derived from plants as alternatives for mosquito control, which are biodegradable, easily available at low cost, and safe for human health.

Unlike conventional insecticides which are based on a single active ingredient, plant derived insecticides are used as botanical blends of chemical compounds which act concertedly and in synergy on both mosquito behavourial and physiological processes of the mosquitoes.  Resistance to these blends by mosquitoes is unlikely to develop.  In addition, large scale use of botanical mosquito larvicides can open up opportunities for rural communities to improve their livelihoods through commercial cultivation of the larvicidal plants.

Collaborators:

• Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)
• PUMMA Community group in Malindi
• MOCON community group in Nyabondo
• Addis Ababa University (Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology)

Donors:

Biovision Foundation