Implementation of malaria vector surveillance and insecticide resistance monitoring interventions in Nigeria

Malaria vector surveillance is required to determine disease transmission dynamics, vector insecticide susceptibility status, suitable control strategies and impact of control interventions. However, capacity and resources for vector surveillance and insecticide resistance monitoring is often inadequate in most countries at risk of vector-borne diseases. Collaborations and linkages between malaria control policy makers and existing research institutions generating vector surveillance research data are often weak, thereby hindering the availability of data for decision-making. A national vector surveillance programme, mobilizing all stakeholders towards quality data generation and policy making, is required for effective data-driven country-wide vector control. This paper provides an analysis and suggested future directions for such synergized national malaria vector surveillance and insecticide resistance monitoring system currently being implemented by all research and policy stakeholders in Nigeria. The harmonized national vector surveillance system described here can be used as a model for the development or improvement of such structures in other countries with high malaria transmission risks.