Responding to the challenge of gaps in the malaria vector control tool box, IVCC has issued a call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) to fund Proof of Concept (PoC) projects for new vector control tools that target aspects of the mosquito lifecycle beyond indoor feeding and resting.

Current WHO malaria vector control policy relies almost entirely on methods that target indoor feeding and/or resting mosquitoes through use of Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) and Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs).

Several supplemental approaches, including spatial emanators, insecticide-treated eave tubes and targeted sugar baits have undergone large-scale trials and are under evaluation by the WHO Vector Control Advisory Group (VCAG) for public health value.

Additional tools that target aspects of the mosquito lifecycle beyond indoor feeding/resting, are still urgently needed to address gaps in malaria transmission.

Full details, including product/concept scope, description of the Proof-of-Concept stage, budget, overall approach, eligibility criteria and how to apply are outlined on the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) Procurement Portal. Expressions of Interest are only accepted via the portal.

Deadline for submission of Expression of Interest: 16^th December 2024.

Full details on the eligibility criteria and what is covered by the call are available by downloading the call for proposals document here. To submit your expression of interest, follow this link to the procurement portal (registration is required).

From September 11th to 13th, IVCC attended the 63rd Dornbirn Global Fiber Congress (Dornbirn-GFC 2024) in Dornbirn, Austria. While not a regular event in our calendar, this conference was of strategic significance due to its focus on cutting-edge innovations in the fiber and textile industries. The event has established itself over six decades as a key meeting point for industry leaders, researchers, and innovators to share knowledge and shape the future of fibers and textiles.

Dornbirn-GFC 2024 gathered more than 125 international speakers to present the latest developments in the field. This year’s program highlighted advances in fiber technologies that could reshape the industry, making it an important occasion for IVCC to explore potential solutions to a critical challenge—reducing the cost of goods associated with the development of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs).

IVCC’s attendance was driven by the need to assess novel fiber designs and material innovations that could enhance ITN development. With rising costs of production, it is crucial to explore alternatives that might lead to more affordable, viable solutions for vector control products. IVCC’s ITN pillar team saw this as an opportunity to engage with fiber industry experts, learn about new technologies, and explore whether any of these could be applied to overcome formulation and cost challenges in our mission to develop innovative ITN products.

By attending the Dornbirn-GFC, IVCC strengthened its understanding of the evolving fiber landscape and gained insights that could support future product development. The opportunity to network with industry professionals and exchange ideas aligns with our long-term goal of ensuring that lifesaving ITNs remain accessible and affordable.

These insights will be invaluable in shaping our strategies and exploring new directions for ITN design that balance innovation with cost efficiency.

IVCC staff had the opportunity to attend this week’s UNGA and participated in several important meetings with various stakeholders to discuss the role of vector control in efforts to eliminate malaria. David McGuire, Director of Access and Country engagement participated in a Summit of the Future panel discussion: From Concepts to Communities: Innovations in Action along with representatives from ALMA, RBM and Unitaid. The session explored how a group of partners collaborated to develop, launch and scale-up dual-AI ITNs under the New Nets Project and the Net Transition Initiative. Participants shared lessons learned and how they might be applied to accelerate access to other innovative health products.

David also attended a session co-hosted by United to Beat Malaria and RBM, Next Chapter of Progress: Localization, Innovation and Partnerships to End Malaria. A panel that included senior representatives from ALMA, the Gates Foundation (IVCC BoT member, Philip Welkhoff), PMI, SC Johnson and the Global Fund discussed promising innovations in vector control, treatments and vaccines, and acknowledged the importance of increased domestic and multi-sector investment in locally led research and implementation. Panelists talked about their optimism that a tool-box capable of achieving elimination is on the horizon, and the need for the political will and funding to translate innovation into sustained impact.

Christen Fornadel, Senior Technical Coordinator, attended an important meeting hosted by Malaria No More, RBM and MMV, Racing Against Antimalarial Resistance: Driving Global Action to Support National Response Efforts. There is a growing recognition and effort among partners to improve coordination and integrated approaches that simultaneously address resistance to drugs and insecticides, including market shaping efforts to address the increased costs of new products.

IVCC is encouraged that the challenges, opportunities and critical success factors that have been identified within our new strategy are all prominent and recurring topics that are repeatedly raised by participants from countries, funders, civil society, academia and the private sector.

IVCC’s Board of Trustees Chair, Sherwin Charles and Board member, Elizabeth Chizema are also attending UNGA 2024.

Growing insecticide resistance is closely intertwined with lack of investment in research and development of novel public health insecticides.

In a two part series, published in International Pest Control,  IVCC CEO Justin McBeath, IVCC Technical Director Derric Nimmo, and IVCC (former) consultants Alan Ayers and Jeffrey Moe (Duke Global Health Institute), explore how a new US incentive programme (VERV) aims to mitigate the problem.

The first article focuses on, while the second piece poses questions to the US Environment Protection Agency (EPA), who coordinate the VERV programme, on the detail of the guidance for registrants.

Both articles are available to download via this post. We give thanks to IPC and its editor, Chris Endecot, for granting access for our readers.

A recently published essay collection curated by Malaria No More UK and the ONE Campaign, makes the case for the next UK government to continue its support for the life-saving work of multilateral global health mechanisms like Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance and The Global Fund to fight AIDs, Tuberculosis and Malaria, and Unitaid.

The collection features essays from a diverse range of British and international voices, including a piece by IVCC CEO, Justin McBeath where he highlights the critical role of Product Development Partnerships (PDPs) – such as IVCC – in bringing forward life-changing innovations for the elimination of diseases such as malaria. In the essay he writes:

PDPs serve as catalysts for innovation and progress. They bridge the gap between scientific discovery and tangible solutions, driving research and development efforts that address […] health threats.   To eradicate malaria for good, PDPs like IVCC deserve support, so they can continue to deliver the innovative tools that can finally put malaria into retreat.

To read Justin’s full essay and all the contributions by Gavi and The Global Fund; Labour MPs and parliamentary candidates; scientists and researchers from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Medicines for Malaria Venture; and youth activists and community health workers from endemic countries, visit the Malaria No More UK website to download the report.