Urban vector control: mapping and modeling training

From September 4th to 8th, 2023, the Entomology and Spatial Modeling teams hosted a training course in Tirana, Albania. This training addressed the challenges presented by the presence of tiger mosquitoes (Aedes albopictus) in urban contexts, known for transmitting diseases known as arboviruses. The course's primary goal was to equip participants from 11 countries with the skills needed to proficiently map risk areas for Aedes albopictus vectors in urban settings.

Understanding the distribution and habitat of vectors is essential to implement effective control measures. Due to its adaptability, the tiger mosquito conquered our cities transforming them into high-risk infection areas. To contribute to improved harmonization of aedes mosquito vector surveillance data in urban context, MediLabSecure organized this training course on “mapping risk areas for aedes albopictus vectors”.

Guided by the expertise of IRD in vector identification and Avia-GIS, known for their mapping and modeling proficiency, participants were able to access a comprehensive training experience. The program was structured to include both on-field and theoretical sessions and exercises centered on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and mosquito identification.

Throughout the span of one week, participants were equipped with the necessary knowledge and practical skills to conduct risk mapping of Aedes albopictus areas in urban contexts.

A total of 11 countries were invited to participate in this training course: Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Egypt, Georgia, Jordan, Kosovo*, Republic of North Macedonia, Montenegro, Palestine**, Serbia, and Turkey.

*This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244 and ICI Advisory opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independance

**This designation shall not be construed as recognition of a State of Palestine and is without prejudice to the individual positions of EU Member States on the issue