Effectiveness of long lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) in PNG

Effectiveness of long lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) in PNG

Advisor/s

Tania Russell, Stephen Karl

College or Research Centre

Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine

Summary of Project

Papua New Guinea bears a high burden of malaria transmission, and at present, the most effective means to control transmission is with universal access to long lasting insecticidal bednets (LLINs). Monitoring the effectiveness of the LLINs in the field, is essential feedback required by program operators to ensure that programs continue to be effective. This PhD candidate will together with the Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research to assess the effectiveness of LLINs in the field, by examining a range of parameters, including assessing:

• the bio-efficacy of LLINs after use in the field,
• the resistance of mosquitoes to insecticide exposure and any changes in mosquito biting behaviour,
• the impact of LLIN use on the quantity of malaria parasites that the mosquito population is potentially transmitting, and
• human or societal factors that may compromise the effectiveness of LLIN in the field

The PhD candidate will be likely be based at JCU in Cairns, Australia and will be required to spend extensive time in PNG to conduct field work. There will be flexibility when designing the aims of the project and the student will have the opportunity to focus on their particular interests.

Key Words

Malaria; medical entomology; anophelines; long-lasting insecticidal nets; public health; ecology

Would suit an applicant who

This project will suit an applicant who is interested in conducting applied research aimed at improving malaria vector control operations. The research will require spending time in the field in remote locations, as well as conducting molecular analyses in the laboratory, including ELISA and PCR.

Updated: 11 Apr 2020