Country leadership

This video step is a collaboration between Dr Themba Mzilahowa and Dr Luc Salako Djogbenou. In this step, they will cover the topic of country leadership, which is the first of the enabling factors described in the WHO GVCR. Both Dr Mzilahowa and Dr Djogbenou have a wealth of experience in the field of vector control and are based in Malawi and Benin, respectively. They will draw on their own experiences in their home countries.

Strong political commitment is required to enable an integrated approach to vector control at both national and sub-national levels, including within local governments and municipalities. High-level commitment of multiple ministries is central to the intersectoral interactions required to plan, fund, and implement priority activities outlined in the WHO GVCR. Collaboration between neighbouring countries is also imperative as vectors and pathogens are easily transported among and across countries. Regional engagement and active leadership are also both vital to vector control. At the country level, support by national or international technical agencies should be coordinated to ensure the effective utilisation of resources.