FUNAAB and NMEP Partner to Boost Malaria Control with Expanded Sentinel Site Activities
In a collaborative effort to combat malaria in Ogun State, the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) paid a courtesy visit to the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) on October 23, 2024.
UBA CHIDINMA 
In a collaborative effort to combat malaria in Ogun State, the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) paid a courtesy visit to the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) on October 23, 2024. The delegation, hosted by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olukayode Akinyemi, representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, discussed plans to expand sentinel site activities to enhance malaria vector surveillance in the region.
The sentinel site at FUNAAB is one of two newly selected locations in Nigeria for this critical expansion, which is in partnership with the Ogun State Ministry of Health, the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), and supported by Global Funds (GF). The expansion aims to strengthen monitoring of insecticide resistance in malaria vectors and to improve vector control strategies in Ogun State.
Since 2020, NMEP has established sentinel sites to track insecticide resistance in malaria vectors across Ogun State, aiming to evaluate the efficacy of commonly used insecticides for malaria control. With the planned expansion, NMEP will implement monthly routine malaria vector surveillance, providing a more comprehensive analysis of vector bionomics, including feeding patterns, population dynamics, and behavioral adaptations specific to local environments.
Prof. Olufunmilayo Idowu from the Department of Pure and Applied Zoology at FUNAAB has been appointed as the Principal Investigator (PI) to oversee the expanded surveillance efforts at the sentinel sites. The NMEP will provide necessary equipment for the entomological studies, while FUNAAB will contribute laboratory and insectary space along with logistical support to ensure the seamless execution of activities. This initiative will also offer hands-on learning opportunities for students, enabling them to participate in monthly entomological surveillance exercises.
Set to commence in November 2024, the expanded sentinel site activities at FUNAAB are expected to advance malaria control efforts within Ogun State and serve as a model for broader applications across Nigeria.
