Navy entomology in Africa: Building new partnerships through vector surveillance and control

The African continent is endemic for many vector-borne diseases with significant public health impact. Established 60 years ago in Cairo Egypt, the U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 3 (NAMRU-3) is a multi-agency platform committed to detecting emerging disease threats of military or public health importance, which is accomplished by collaborating with national, regional, and international partners. NAMRU-3’s Vector Biology Research Program (VBRP) studies, monitors, and develops mitigation strategies specifically against regional vector-borne disease threats. VBRP engages with partner countries in three main ways: 1) by providing training, 2) by building capacity and conducting projects in the host country, and, 3) by providing support during outbreak situations. Competitively awarded funding from the U.S. Department of State, CDC, AFHSC/GEIS, and MIDRP enables VBRP to execute this mission. In the past calendar year alone, VBRP has: 1) provided vector identification (e.g.; sand flies, mosquitoes and ticks) to scientists from Libya and Djibouiti, 2) implemented projects to control leishmaniasis in Libya and malaria in Djibouti, 3) conducted a week long workshop on insecticide resistance attended by entomologists from Sudan, Morocco, and Tunisia 4) provided training in molecular diagnostics of leishmaniasis, malaria, CCHF, and Rift Valley fever and 5) directly supported outbreak relief efforts of leishmaniasis in Egypt, malaria in Liberia and Comoros, and Rift Valley Fever in Sudan. These entomological experiences have enabled the U.S. Navy to cultivate relationships and develop partnerships with many countries that otherwise would not have been possible. Future funding is anticipated as these relationships continue to develop, strengthen and expand among other African nations.