Ecohub webinar: A multi-sectoral assessment tool to mitigate the threat of an invasive urban malaria vector in Havassa City, Ethiopia

Background

In urban settings in sub-Saharan Africa, malaria transmission is typically low in comparison to rural areas. However, urban planning measures are failing to accommodate the rapid population growth, including the conditions it creates that increase vector breeding.

Recently, the presence of the invasive urban malaria vector Anopheles stephensi was reported in Hawassa City. The presence of the vector is alarming, as native African vectors typically breed in natural water bodies mainly found in rural areas, where current vector control measures are well suited.

In Hawassa, Anopheles Stephensi larvae were found in water tanks at construction sites, concrete water cisterns, and concrete water collection boxes for car washes. The presence of the vector and its co-existence with native malaria vectors in a rapidly changing urban context suggests the need for multi-sectoral and integrated approaches to its control.

In this webinar, Dereje Geleta, Assistant Professor in Health Promotion and Behavioural Sciences at Hawassa University, will present the findings of his study on a multi-sectoral assessment tool to mitigate the threat of an invasive urban malaria vector in Hawassa City, Ethiopia. He will focus on community adaptation practices, urbanisation-related risks, and stakeholder engagement for participatory action. Register to attend this inspiring discussion.

The discussion will be moderated by colleague Claudia Nieto-Sanchez, Ecohub Coordinator.