Vector Biology and Control in Ghana

This course has been accredited by tropEd Network for Higher Education Institutions in International Health.

The course Vector Biology and Control provides a comprehensive understanding of vector-borne diseases with a focus on Ghana and other endemic regions. Participants will explore the biology, behavior, and systematics of medically important arthropods and their role in disease transmission. The course combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on training in vector sampling, larval surveys, insecticide resistance testing, and molecular techniques for vector control. Emphasizing practical application in real-world settings, it equips public health professionals and researchers with the technical and analytical skills needed for effective vector surveillance and control strategies in resource-limited environments.

• Epidemiology of vector borne disease with special reference to Ghana
• Selected arthropods of medical importance
• Basic functional morphology of arthropods of medical importance
• Vector behavior and disease transmission
• Mosquito systematics, sampling techniques and larval survey
• Sampling techniques for vectors other than mosquitoes
• Vector control and challenges
• Insecticide resistance and management
• Methods of evaluation of susceptibility and efficacy of insecticides and control tools
• Molecular techniques used in mosquito control

At the end of the module, the participants will be able to:

• explain the biology and behaviour of mosquitoes and relate it to their control strategies,
• critically discuss the purpose and role of entomological studies in the control of vector-borne diseases,
• compare the life cycle of selected vectors and relate them to the transmission of diseases, and
• apply a range of specialised technical skills relevant to mosquito control.

Public health professionals, epidemiologists, researchers, health policy planners, and health allied professiobals interested in vector borne diseases and vector control.

Registration is closed. 

Please note: Ghanaians interested in participating should write to the e-mail below expressing their wish to participate and further details will be communicated via mail.

From 15–25 April 2025, the Advanced Module in Vector Biology and Control was held in Cape Coast, Ghana in cooperation with University of Cape Coast, offering a comprehensive and hands-on experience for participants in the fields of medical entomology and vector control. The module was enriched by the diversity of its participants, including students and researchers from troped university, the National Malaria Control Program in Ghana, and PAMVERC, Tanzania. Our students represented a variety of nationalities—Iranian, Indian, Zambian, Ghanian, Tanzanian, and Italian—who came together to further their research on vector control strategies. Their collective insights and experiences created a vibrant atmosphere, fostering cross-cultural collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

The course kicked off with a warm welcome and an introduction to vector biology and the epidemiology of mosquito-borne diseases. Participants had the opportunity to dive deep into the arthropods of medical importance and engage in interactive sessions throughout the week.

One of the highlights of the course was the Mini Symposium, where participants presented their own research and discussed its relevance to entomology. There were a series of engaging laboratory and field activities, including mosquito sampling, insect dissection, and the building of traps. These activities provided valuable practical experience, equipping participants with essential skills in vector surveillance and control.

Field trips were also an essential part of the module. Participants visited local communities for Indoor Residual Spray (IRS) activities and larvicides dissemination activities offering insight into vector control in real-world settings. Additionally, they sampled mosquitoes and larvae in the field, which contributed significantly to their hands-on learning. The course also covered the use of molecular techniques in vector surveillance, focusing on PCR for species identification, as well as the application of vector population genetics to better understand control strategies.

On the final days, participants took part in exams, both theoretical and practical, which assessed their knowledge and skills gained throughout the course. Facilitators like Andreas Kudom took the numerous lectures, Vahuka Valiyakath held workshops and Stanley Okyere guided participants in the laboratory sessions, ensuring the course was both informative and practical. Throughout the course, students not only engaged deeply in scientific study but also had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich culture of Ghana. They enjoyed the local cuisine, with highlights like Jollof rice and Banku which added a delightful cultural experience alongside their rigorous academic work. The module proved to be a great success, offering participants a holistic view of vector biology and control strategies in an impactful, real-world context.