The purpose of the IVM Programme is to establish and operationalize a continental platform that will enable the continent to build a strong collaboration between the health sector, and with other sectors in order to effectively control vectors. The programme also aims to equip the region in the application of existing approaches and those that are on the horizon for controlling vectors.

Considering that malaria is the most important vector-borne disease, the IVM Programme will use malaria as a pathfinder disease for developing its platform activities. The template to be developed is adapted for controlling vectors of other diseases as well. In almost all countries where there is malaria, there are disease control programmes that focus on vector control, therapies, and trials on new products for prevention or treatment of the disease. The various management and regulatory tools developed for malaria are applicable to other vector-borne diseases that are currently spreading fast. Recently there have been policy decisions that have called for increased efforts in the development of innovative tools for controlling the vectors

At present, the program has taken a regional approach, focusing on West Africa, beyond which the program shall be expanded continentally. AUDA-NEPAD and the West Africa Health Organization (WAHO) collaborate with partners to strengthen the capacity of regulators and relevant stakeholders in Member States and RECs in order to ensure that countries are able to explore the potential of existing and new vector control approaches. Interventions include (i) developing appropriate guidelines for the various phases of product development; (ii) conducting capacity strengthening in order to deepen the understanding of regulators and relevant stakeholders; (iii) sensitising beneficiary communities and government officials; (iv) monitoring and evaluating the impact of interventions; and (v) using evidence from West Africa to advocate for the scale-up of the IVM programme to other regions.  

The IVM Programme operationalises the APET recommendations by building the platform, using gene drive as a pathfinder approach among the technologies on the horizon. Due to the unique nature of the technology, the regulatory pathway being targeted forms a break-through model for other emerging technologies that need to be harnessed for economic development in future.  For instance, Wolbachia-infested mosquitoes which control dengue have been released elsewhere but not yet in Africa. A key component of the platform is that regulators in agriculture, environment, health, and other relevant stakeholders are best informed in order for them to make evidence-based decisions for the benefit of saving the African populations from the burden of malaria and vector-borne diseases. There is need for a balance between ensuring the safety of the environment and human health without being so restrictive as to lose the potential health benefits of the various vector control approaches. This entails strong coordination between health and environmental regulators at national and regional levels.

The APET’s recommendations for strengthening regulatory capacity in Africa are key drivers to AUDA-NEPAD’s interventions in strengthening regulatory capacity on gene drive technology. The following are the recommendations from the APET:

1. Political Support
2. Risk/Benefits
3. Capacity Building
4. Harmonisation & Regional Approach
5. Logistical Support
6. Funding
7. Engagement

Based on the APET recommendations, AUDA-NEPAD is committed to working closely with the AU Member States and the Regional Economic Communities to ensure that informed political support and adequate funding are provided for the development of science-based regulations that consider health value and align with stakeholders’ priority needs and acceptance when exploring gene drive technology potentials for malaria elimination in the continent.