AIRID’s flagship scientific platform for high-quality evidence on vector biology, surveillance, and intervention performance to support the prevention and control of malaria and other vector-borne diseases.
The Centre conducts laboratory, semi-field, and field-based research and provides independent evaluation of vector control tools and strategies, supporting national programmes, regional initiatives, and global policy so that interventions are effective, durable, and appropriate for real-world use.
Mandate
To generate robust, policy-relevant evidence that informs vector control strategies and supports effective deployment in diverse contexts. The Centre addresses insecticide resistance, changing vector behaviour, and the need for integrated vector management.
Scope of Work
Comprehensive research across the full evaluation pathway:
- Laboratory, semi-field, and community-based research
- Evaluation of vector control tools and strategies
- Clinical and community-based intervention studies
- Molecular and genomic surveillance of vectors and pathogens
- Contribution to national, regional, and global policy and regulatory processes
Activities generate independent, high-quality evidence for informed decision-making and sustainable public health impact.
Research Units
Vector Control Unit
Evaluating the Performance of Vector Control Interventions
Evaluates efficacy, durability, and operational performance of vector control interventions in laboratory, semi-field, and field settings.
- Laboratory and semi-field evaluation of tools
- Community-based field trials and durability monitoring
- Insecticide resistance monitoring and characterisation
- Vector behaviour, ecology, and intervention interaction
- Post-market surveillance; support to WHO prequalification and NMCPs
Central role in evidence on next-generation tools and resistance management.
Molecular Surveillance Unit
Strengthening Surveillance through Molecular and Genomic Evidence
Provides laboratory-based and molecular evidence for disease surveillance, resistance monitoring, and outbreak response.
- Molecular identification of vectors and pathogens
- Surveillance of insecticide and drug resistance markers
- Genomic and sequencing-based analyses
- Diagnostic validation and laboratory quality assurance
- Biobanking, sample management; support to outbreak investigation
Strengthens integration of molecular data into routine surveillance and policy.
Clinical Trials Unit
High-Quality Clinical and Community-Based Trials
Designs and implements ethically approved clinical and community-based trials for public health interventions relevant to vector-borne disease control.
- Design and coordination of clinical and field trials
- Regulatory and ethics submissions and approvals
- Participant recruitment, follow-up, retention; safety monitoring
- Trial data management, analysis, and reporting
All trials follow Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and national and international regulatory standards.
Research Platforms and Methods
The Centre integrates multiple platforms for comprehensive evaluation:
- Controlled laboratory experimentation
- Semi-field and experimental hut evaluations
- Community-based field studies
- Entomological, epidemiological, and molecular methods
- Quantitative and qualitative data collection
Findings are scientifically rigorous, operationally relevant, and applicable to programme and policy decisions.
Contribution to Policy and Practice
The Centre contributes through collaboration with national malaria control programmes, technical engagement with regional and global stakeholders, contribution to guideline development, and dissemination via reports, publications, and technical briefs. Evidence supports informed choices on intervention selection, resistance management, and integrated vector control strategies.
Ethics, Quality, and Scientific Integrity
All research adheres to approved protocols and national and international ethical, regulatory, and quality standards. Strong quality assurance, ethical oversight, and data integrity underpin design, implementation, analysis, and dissemination.
Leadership and Governance
The Centre is led by a Centre Director, with Units coordinated by Unit Heads. It reports through AIRID’s research governance structure for strategic alignment, accountability, and scientific excellence. Cross-centre collaboration is promoted to maximise multidisciplinary learning and efficient use of resources.
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