To strengthen the capacity of health workers in field entomology, the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD), under the Department of Health Services, organized a week-long training workshop on integrated field entomology at the Vector Borne Disease Research and Training Center (VBDRTC) in Hetauda, Bagmati Province, from 20 to 27 July 2022.
The training focused on an integrated approach to entomology, with primary attention on a hands-on approach in the field and laboratory-based practices. The training module was jointly developed by EDCD, VBDRTC, WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia, and WHO, Country Office for Nepal.
Participants in the field entomology training observing the demonstration session held in Bagmati Province, Nepal. Photo Credit: WHO Nepal/B.Ojha
Participants for the training included vector control officers, entomologists, and lab technicians from the provinces with a wide range of experience in the field of vector-borne disease and entomology. After being trained on the biology and behavior of vectors, vector control strategies, the impact of climate change on vector densities, and insecticide resistance management, the participants then conducted field activities in Manohara Rural Municipality which were aimed at developing their competencies in the collection, handling, and transportation of samples along with vector identification and conducting insecticidal susceptibility tests.
Uday Sankar Sah, a participant and senior malaria inspector at the District Health Office in Dhankuta, said the integrated nature of the training was beneficial for him.
Participants collecting the larvae of vectors as a filed demonstration exercise during the field entomology training held in Bagmati Province, Nepal. Photo Credit: WHO/BN Nagpal
"While in the past I have taken trainings solely focused on malaria vector, the integrated nature of this training allowed me to learn about various vectors and the ways to catch them, identify them, and transport them. This knowledge will help to implement evidence-based interventions for the control of vector-borne diseases in the country. In short, it was a great opportunity to learn about new tools and approaches to studying vector-borne diseases," said Sah.
Similarly, Sarita Ghimire, an entomologist working at the Provincial Health Directorate in Bagmati Province, said that the training helped boost her confidence in conducting fieldwork.
Participants searching and collecting vectors at a cattle shed as a field demonstration exercise during the field entomology training held in Bagmati Province, Nepal.
"I feel lucky that I was able to participate in this training as it has enabled me to conduct vector identification and sample catchment independently. This has boosted my confidence, and I am now ready to put all the theoretical knowledge that I gained during my university, as well as at this particular training, into practice", said Ghimire.
Dengue, lymphatic filariasis, malaria, and visceral leishmaniasis are the priority vector-borne diseases (VBDs) for Nepal. However, the country faces a shortage of field entomologists and trained human resources in entomology. Furthermore, with the impact of climate change on the geographic spread of vectors, there are new and unprecedented challenges for the national program on the control and elimination of major VBDs.
Dr Rajpal Yadav, from WHO HQ, virtually facilitating the session on insecticide susceptibility in Bagmati Province, Nepal. Photo Credit: WHO Nepal/B.Ojha
Dr Gokarna Dahal, Chief of Vector Borne Disease Section at EDCD, said: "As entomological surveillance is one of the key pillars for mounting effective vector control and response plan, this training will be very helpful for the health workers working at the provincial and local level”.
Hem Raj Joshi from the Provincial Health Directorate in Doti, Sudurpaschim Province, has been working in this field for more than two decades. He says even for someone with his experience, the training was very useful, and helped him conduct entomological surveillance.
A sample of collected vectors during the field demonstration exercise at the field entomology training held in Bagmati Province, Nepal. Photo Credit: WHO Nepal/B.Ojha
"Soon after the end of the training, there was a dengue case cluster reported in a village in Kailali district. I used my newly gained skills to collect and transport mosquito larvae to a lab for further observation. My team and I were also able to collect larvae in 20-25 households that we visited for investigation. We are now working on developing a plan to raise public awareness activities in the affected area," said Joshi.
Additionally, according to Joshi, Sudurpaschim Provincial Health Directorate now aims to train at least two healthcare workers from all the districts of the province in basic entomology.
Dr Khin Pa Pa Naing, Team Lead for Communicable Diseases Unit at WHO, Country Office for Nepal, providing her remarks during the opening ceremony of the field entomology training held in Bagmati Province, Nepal. Photo Credit: WHO Nepal/S.Shahi
"We plan to use the same teaching methodologies and learnings from this entomology training to design that course", he said.
Post-training, WHO provided continued mentoring support by creating an online group for participants to communicate, share experiences, and ask technical queries.
Director of EDCD, VBDRTC directors, facilitators, and participants from the field entomology training held in Bagmati Province, Nepal. Photo Credit: VBDRTC
Dr. Rajesh Sambhajirao Pandav, WHO Representative to Nepal, commended the EDCD for leading this innovative training, and reaffirmed WHO's commitment to strengthening the capacity of the health workforce in the country to combat the burden of VBDs.
As part of its efforts to build and sustain national capacity on entomology and to enhance vector control intervention, WHO plans to conduct regular trainings on field entomology.