The Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD), under the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP), with support from WHO Country Office for Nepal, has conducted a comprehensive Training of Trainers (ToT) program focused on Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) for vector-borne diseases.
This crucial event, held from 2-4 August 2024, was designed to strengthen the quality and effectiveness of IRS interventions across Nepal.
/countries/nepal/dsc_3075.jpg?sfvrsn=abaea7de_7)
A participant learning how to perform Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) in a hands-on practical session at the training of trainers on Indoor Residual Spraying for vector-borne diseases. Photo credit: WHO Nepal
IRS has been identified as a crucial intervention in the national strategy to eliminate several vector-borne diseases, including kala-azar and malaria. This method involves spraying the interior walls of homes with a specialized insecticide that kills mosquitoes and other disease-carrying insects upon contact with the treated surfaces. The tool, prioritized by the Government of Nepal, supports health workers to protect communities from diseases by reducing the number of these insects and curbing disease transmission.
/countries/nepal/dsc_3207.png?sfvrsn=46f20e92_5)
Participants pose for a group photo during the training programme. Photo credit: WHO Nepal
The training brought together 37 vector-borne diseases (VBD) control focal persons from the most affected districts and provincial health directorates, representatives from the Vector-Borne Disease Research and Training Center (VBDRTC), central medical stores and WHO’s NTDs provincial coordinators. These individuals play a pivotal role in implementing and managing IRS programs at both local and provincial levels, making their training a vital step in advancing Nepal’s vector control efforts.
Experienced facilitators - Shishir Pant, a WHO Entomologist, and Hemraj Joshi, Vector Control Officer from the Provincial Health Directorate of Sudurpashchim Province - provided invaluable guidance to the participants with over three decades of experience in vector control programs. Dr Sashi Kandel, Medical Officer of EDCD, also offered his expert guidance and facilitation throughout the training.
The three-day residential training seamlessly integrated theoretical knowledge with practical experience, equipping participants with the necessary skills to lead IRS programs effectively and covered a comprehensive range of topics essential for successful IRS implementation, including vector control strategies within national programs, principles of Integrated Vector Management (IVM) and the Global Vector Control Response.
/countries/nepal/dsc_2999-(2).jpg?sfvrsn=82950c3b_6)
Participants learning about compressor pumps during the hands-on training. Photo credit: WHO Nepal
A strong emphasis was placed on practical sessions, incorporating the management of IRS programs, insecticide selection, equipment assembly and spray techniques. Participants engaged in hands-on exercises, including calibrating sprayers, practicing correct spray techniques with water-based simulations, adhering to safety protocols and preparing insecticide suspension - critical steps in maintaining high standards during IRS operations. The importance of community engagement and accurate data recording was also highlighted to ensure the sustainability of IRS interventions.
Participants also learned about the behaviors and life cycles of sand flies and malaria-carrying mosquitoes in Nepal, which helps them create more effective ways to control these insects.
/countries/nepal/dsc_2929.png?sfvrsn=b35b0955_6)
Dr Yadu Chandra Ghimire, Director of Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, Ministry of Health and Population, providing his remarks at the training. Photo credit: WHO Nepal
Dr Yadu Chandra Ghimire, Director of EDCD, chaired the program, emphasizing the critical role of quality IRS interventions in Nepal’s strategy to eliminate vector-borne diseases. He highlighted the importance of maintaining the highest standards in IRS implementation to achieve the national goal of disease elimination, and underscored the ongoing efforts and challenges faced by the national program and the essential role of trained personnel in overcoming these obstacles.
Dr Gokarna Dahal, Section Chief of the VBD section at EDCD, highlighted the national program's ongoing efforts in disease elimination and facilitated discussions on planning IRS activities in endemic regions.
/countries/nepal/dsc_2865.png?sfvrsn=f37e22f4_6)
Dr Prakash Shakya, National Professional Officer for One Health and Neglected Tropical Diseases at WHO Country Office for Nepal, presenting on Integrated Vector Management and Global Vector Control Response at the programme. Photo credit: WHO Nepal
Dr Prakash Shakya, National Professional Officer for One Health and Neglected Tropical Diseases at WHO Country Office for Nepal, presented an insightful session on integrated vector management, linking the efforts to global initiatives like the Sustainable Development Goals and the Global Vector Control Response (2017-2030), emphasizing the importance of capacity building.
Participants concluded the program with renewed confidence, recognizing that the technical depth gained from the training would greatly enhance the effectiveness of IRS interventions in their districts.
/countries/nepal/dsc_2974.jpg?sfvrsn=22cf6ca_4)
Participants learning how to calibrate compressor pumps at the training programme. Photo credit: WHO Nepal
The training also compliments the handover of 66 high-quality hand-compression sprayers and spare parts to the EDCD on 8 August. This WHO support is a crucial step towards Nepal’s efforts for dengue control and elimination of kala-azar and malaria and is made possible by the Contingency Fund for Emergencies (CFE).
WHO will now be engaged in monitoring the quality of IRS in the field, provide continuous technical and financial assistance in conducting IRS in areas with a high burden of kala-azar and support its nationwide initiation, starting in Sudurpashchim province. The trained vector control focal persons will now be engaged in facilitating sprayers and foremen in the IRS sites before the start of the IRS campaign.
/countries/nepal/dsc_2916.jpg?sfvrsn=ac9c1e3f_6)
Discussions held at the training. Photo credit: WHO Nepal
“This training represents a significant stride in Nepal’s ongoing battle against vector-borne diseases and is a pivotal step in our national strategy to eliminate vector-borne diseases. By equipping our health workers with advanced skills and knowledge, we are reinforcing Nepal's capacity to respond swiftly and effectively to the surge in cases, ensuring the health and well-being of our communities,” stated Dr Yadu Chandra Ghimire, Director of EDCD.
"WHO remains committed to support Nepal's efforts in combating vector-borne diseases and this training ensures that health workers are not only prepared but also empowered to lead high-quality interventions in their regions. Together, we aim to accelerate progress towards disease elimination and safeguard the health of all people in Nepal," stated Dr Rajesh Sambhajirao Pandav, WHO Representative to Nepal.