PacMOSSI: Empowering the Pacific to swat mosquito threats

30 October 2024

In the fight against mosquito-borne diseases, countries in the Pacific Island region face unique challenges. These small, isolated nations are vulnerable to outbreaks that can overwhelm communities and health systems relying on limited resources. For this reason, the Pacific Mosquito Surveillance Strengthening for Impact (PacMOSSI) program was launched to support Pacific Island countries as they work to combat these devastating diseases.

Led by Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine (AITHM) researcher Associate Professor Tanya Russell, PacMOSSI is a collaborative initiative managed by James Cook University (JCU) in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) and The Pacific Community (also known as SPC). The program is a network of international institutions and Pacific Island countries working together to monitor and control outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases throughout the region.

“In small Pacific Island countries, health systems are fragile, and capacity is very low,” Associate Professor Russell said. “This means that when there are outbreaks of diseases like malaria, dengue, Zika or Chikungunya, they can completely overwhelm the community and their resources. Our focus is on effective vector control to prevent transmission and save lives.”

PacMOSSI was established in 2020 and has been focused on capacity building in 21 Pacific Island countries ever since. The program offers online training and hands-on workshops that are tailored to each nation’s needs, as well as equipment, supplies and operational research.

“The real strength of the PacMOSSI is in its development of networks and relationships, not only between the technical partners but also between the countries,” Associate Professor Russell said. “Environmental health officers in this region are often juggling a large range of responsibilities and having that peer network allows them to share advice and support to make their operations more efficient.”

PacMOSSI’s work has been so impactful that it recently received an additional round of funding from the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), which will allow it to build on the successes of its first phase.

“It’s really exciting to receive another round of support. This additional funding not only recognises the strength of PacMOSSI, but also highlights the ongoing need for the program from the country perspective,” Associate Professor Russell said.

PacMOSSI plans to use the funds to expand its digital data management systems, engage communities in mosquito control efforts, and continue strengthening strategic plans for vector control.

“Moving forward, one area we want to focus on is supporting in-country vector control teams to encourage citizen science and develop interactive tools that encourage communities to participate in vector surveillance,” she said.

“For example, a new module has been integrated into the high school curriculum in the Solomon Islands where students are learning about mosquito-borne disease transmission cycles. They’re also learning how to build mosquito traps and collect data to submit to local health authorities.

“Building up that purpose of community by giving people a role and the ability to contribute to the greater good is hugely important.”

Associate Professor Russell is confident that the PacMOSSI program is well-positioned to significantly enhance the capacity of countries in the Pacific Island region to monitor and control the persistent threat of mosquito-borne diseases.

“I really believe in PacMOSSI’s ability to empower countries by developing tailored resources and programs to address their unique needs,” she said. “Together, we can strengthen these initiatives and create a lasting impact on public health and quality of life in the Pacific.”