Dengue fever, malaria, and other vector-borne diseases pose significant challenges in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. To address these issues, the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD) has organized a study visit to the Institute for Medical Research (IMR) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Malaysia is employing a novel method to combat dengue by releasing mosquitoes infected with Wolbachia bacteria. This approach has shown great promise and is garnering global attention.

During the opening session, Dr. Nazni Wasi Ahmad of the IMR discussed the institute’s innovative approach to dengue prevention. In her presentation, she detailed the methodology used to introduce these Wolbachia strain mosquitoes to communities. She emphasized that effective communication and advocacy were crucial for securing full community buy-in. Additionally, she highlighted the deployment of Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes in Malaysia as a significant step in the country's efforts to control and prevent dengue.

The goal of this study visit is to share knowledge and experiences between experts from Burkina Faso and Malaysia, focusing on understanding Malaysia's dengue control methods, including scientific, technical, and regulatory aspects. The visit will also explore how these methods could be implemented in Africa.

Participants in the study visit include members of the Burkina Faso health and scientific community, such as Ministers, Director-Generals from relevant agencies, IMR scientists, Malaysian regulatory authorities, and key decision-makers involved in vector control initiatives. Their participation demonstrates Africa's dedication to finding new solutions to combat diseases like dengue. By learning from Malaysia, African countries hope to adopt effective strategies to improve public health and reduce the impact of dengue fever across the continent.

At the opening of the study visit, Dr. Barbara Glover, IVM Programme Officer at AUDA-NEPAD, stated: "We believe that malaria and dengue should be a thing of the past on the continent. Diseases such as dengue can be controlled with innovative vector control tools. AUDA-NEPAD's Integrated Vector Management programme has planned similar study visits to Brazil and Colombia, bringing together regulators and stakeholders throughout the continent to learn from global experiences in using innovative vector control tools to address vector-borne diseases in Africa."

In their research article titled “Uncovering the Burden of Dengue in Africa: Considerations on Magnitude, Misdiagnosis, and Ancestry,” Emily Mary Gainor, Eva Harris, et al. state that dengue cases in Africa have been documented since as early as 1779. However, there has been fragmented reporting of the epidemiology of this disease and a lack of comprehensive reviews on various considerations relevant to this underreported and overlooked problem on the African continent.

Their research indicates that many sub-Saharan African countries are severely resource-constrained and may face issues with proper diagnostic testing, vector control, and medical attention for dengue. "Not only is dengue medically important and a major cause of morbidity worldwide, but it is also associated with a significant economic burden, in the magnitude of billions of dollars annually," the research article states.

Among the delegation attending the study visit are the Burkina Faso Ministers of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation, Prof. Adjima Thiombiano, and the Minister of Environment, Water, and Sanitation, Dr. Roger Baro. Both ministers agree that innovative vector control strategies are crucial for dengue prevention and control in Africa.

On the margins of the study tour, the team also paid a courtesy visit to the the Minister of Health of Malaysia, Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. In the ensuing discussions, the Minister highlighted the importance of integrated approaches, unity and diversity in addressing vector borne diseases. Emphasizing that unity in development efforts is crucial, he pointed out the need for the approval of all government agencies and communities in the development and deployment of innovative vector control technologies and interventions. This collaborative approach ensures that initiatives are comprehensive and receive the necessary support from various sectors. The success of Malaysia’s strategy, particularly the release of Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes, is attributed to this inclusive and coordinated effort, which could serve as a model for similar projects in Africa.

In addition, the delegation paid a visit to the Taman Seri Keramat community. The discussions with community leaders focused on the challenges and solutions in gaining community acceptance of innovative health measures. Malaysian community leaders shared their experiences in educating the public about the science behind vector control methods, using evidence from successful implementations in other countries as well as visits to the research laboratories by the community. Continuous feedback and community ownership were identified as key components for the project’s success. The delegates from Africa were encouraged to adopt a similar inclusive and feedback-driven approach to ensure the maximum effectiveness of interventions in their own countries. This participatory method not only builds trust but also ensures that the implemented strategies are well-received and sustainable.

The collaboration between AUDA-NEPAD and Malaysia in the fight against dengue represents a significant step forward in global health efforts. By sharing innovative approaches and knowledge, both regions can enhance their strategies to combat vector-borne diseases more effectively. The study visit to Malaysia not only underscores the importance of international cooperation but also paves the way for future partnerships and advancements in public health. With continued dedication and the implementation of cutting-edge techniques, there is hope for a future where diseases like dengue are significantly reduced, improving the quality of life for millions across the globe.