Work

Vector-Borne Disease Control and Management in Irrigation Areas: A Neglected Critical Phenomenon in Malawi

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) account for more than 17% of all infectious diseases, causing over 700,000 deaths annually, particularly among the poorest populations in tropical and subtropical areas. Climate change, particularly global warming, and certain human activities, including irrigation farming, exacerbate the situation by creating conducive environments that facilitate the breeding of vectors such as mosquitoes and snails. This qualitative study aimed to understand the VBD control and management policy landscape in irrigation areas by gathering perceptions from key stakeholders in the irrigation farming sector in Malawi. Respondents indicated that there are no specific VBD control and management policies targeting irrigation areas in Malawi and that stakeholders essentially work in silos. Notwithstanding this, the Malawi government is committed to expanding irrigation areas to address food security. We, therefore, call for the integration of VBD control and management in irrigation farming, utilising the One Health approach-a promising strategy that could bring significant benefits. Further, we recommend the provision of VBD control and management resources in irrigation investments and the involvement of VBD researchers in the formulation of irrigation policies.

Source: Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease

DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed10090251

Authors: Levi Kalitsilo, Rose Oronje, Nyanyiwe Masingi Mbeye

Institutions: African Institute for Development Policy, African Institute for Development Policy, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Dengue and Mosquito Control Research

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Zero hunger, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,258