Empowering Communities: New Initiative Tackles Mosquito-Borne Diseases in Sudan

In a proactive measure to tackle the increasing threat posed by mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria, the Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network (EMPHNET) has launched an innovative initiative known as Volunteers for Vector Control (V4V). This community-driven project, developed in collaboration with Sudan's Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) and the Kassala State Ministry of Health (MOH), aims to empower local communities in high-risk areas to combat mosquito populations effectively. Kassala, a city that has faced recurrent dengue outbreaks and harbors a significant prevalence of vector-borne diseases, serves as the pilot site for this initiative, which commenced its first phase in October 2024. The V4V project is anchored in the principle of Larval Source Management (LSM), a method that focuses on identifying and eliminating mosquito breeding sites within communities. This approach not only reduces the risk of disease transmission but also encourages sustainability through local engagement. The reach of the V4V initiative is ambitious, targeting approximately 3.5 million people, with the success of the project in Kassala anticipated to pave the way for expansion into other high-risk states across Sudan. A strategic meeting held on October 6, 2024, involved key stakeholders, including the Kassala State MOH Director General and representatives from both federal and state health ministries. This gathering was crucial in solidifying the collaboration and ensuring local health authorities are integral to the project’s planning and execution. In subsequent discussions, representatives from various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) expressed their commitment to supporting the project, emphasizing the importance of community engagement. The diverse input from these organizations highlights the collaborative spirit that is vital for the initiative's success, which relies heavily on the active participation of the local populace. Dr. Elfatih Mohamed Malik, a leading malaria researcher and EMPHNET's Technical Advisor in Sudan, emphasized the project's transformative potential. "The V4V project offers a sustainable and community-based solution for controlling mosquito populations and reducing the disease burden of dengue and malaria," he stated. "By training local volunteers, we empower communities to take ownership of their health and reduce their vulnerability to vector-borne diseases." The initiative has already commenced its field activities, marked by the training of 300 volunteers in Kassala's Al-Shabiya neighborhood. This foundational step is designed to prepare these volunteers for upcoming fieldwork, with both steering and technical committees now operational. To support these efforts, EMPHNET is finalizing guidelines for volunteer-led indoor vector control and is developing a digital reporting tool for real-time data collection and communication. Local leaders, such as Mr. Abdulaziz Hadra, have voiced strong support for the project, recognizing the importance of community involvement. "The key to success is empowering the volunteers and staying closely connected with them. I appreciate the project's design, where each volunteer takes responsibility for their own home," he noted. The launch of the V4V project marks a significant milestone in EMPHNET's ongoing commitment to enhance public health through collaborative and sustainable practices. By fostering partnerships with local health authorities and engaging communities directly, this initiative represents a proactive step toward mitigating the impact of vector-borne diseases in Sudan. As the project unfolds, it holds the promise of not only reducing disease transmission but also cultivating a sense of community ownership over public health initiatives.