Characterisation of insecticide resistance mechanisms and the impact of vector control interventions on malaria vectors of Papua New Guinea

Prolonged and intense use of pyrethroid insecticide has led to resistance among mosquitos which is compromising vector control programmes. Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) national malaria control programme includes the use of long-lasting insecticide-treated bed nets (LLINs). Mosquito vectors have responded to this by changing their behaviours so they can continue to transmit malaria. High transmission rates have been observed in areas with supposedly near universal LLIN coverage in northern PNG. Insecticide resistance monitoring found the vector populations to be fully susceptible to insecticides.

Recent studies observed susceptibility, but they also observed individual mosquitoes that survived beyond 24 hours after exposure to insecticides. Further investigation is needed to identify the resistance mechanisms in the vector populations.

We will investigate the underlying factors driving malaria transmission patterns and resistance mechaisms in vector populations to understand and develop strategies to prolong the effectiveness of insecticide-based interventions.

This grant was awarded under the scheme’s previous name of Master’s Fellowship in Public Health and Tropical Medicine.