Apia abuzz with mozzie experts

Officials from Pacific Island countries are gathering in Apia, Samoa alongside regional experts this week to discuss tackling their common enemy: blood-sucking mosquitoes.

Diseases spread by mosquitoes like dengue and malaria continue to plague the Pacific with Samoa, Tokelau, Fiji and French Polynesia declaring dengue outbreaks this year while Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu are continuing to suffer from the impacts of malaria despite decades of prevention efforts.

This week, more than 50 local and international experts met to review current outbreaks and discuss how to battle mosquitoes in the region and stop future illness.

The meeting is supported by the Pacific Mosquito Strengthening for Impact (PacMOSSI) consortium managed by James Cook University and The Pacific Community (SPC).

Launched in 2020, the Consortium provides guidance, training, supplies, equipment and research opportunities for countries across the Pacific. The Consortium recently received four more years of funding from the Australian Government through the Partnerships for a Healthy Region. This is in addition to funds from the French Government (AFD), New Zealand Government (MFAT- Climate Change and Health) and the European Union.

This week’s meeting in Apia includes representatives from Pacific Ministry of Health staff along with regional mosquito experts, where they plan to identify needs, share experiences and determine the best methods for tackling disease-spreading mosquitoes.

During his opening speech, Samoa Ministry of Health Deputy Director General of Health Dr Glenn Fatupaito said Samoans understand well the impact of mosquito-borne diseases, and there is no better time to bring together health officers from neighbouring Pacific countries, along with regional experts, to discuss and plan a way forward.

“Samoa, like many other Pacific countries, is striving toward strengthening our preparedness and response capacity – to be better equipped to protect our people from diseases like dengue, lymphatic filariasis, and any new pathogens that may enter our region in the future,’’ he said.

“We are pleased that PacMOSSI is bringing together our Pacific neighbours, regional experts, and our development partners, so we can build upon the work we are already doing, and make sure our staff are prepared and communities are protected in the future.”

Manager of PacMOSSI Consortium, Dr Tanya Russell from James Cook University said enhancing the Pacific’s capacity to tackle mosquito-borne diseases is essential.

‘‘As temperatures and rainfall increase, mosquito numbers can surge and elevate the risk of outbreaks like dengue, Zika or malaria.

‘‘A multi-pronged attack is needed to kill the mosquitoes. This requires an understanding of mosquito behaviour that can spread disease, such as knowing when and where they bite and which water sites they choose to lay their eggs in so that authorities can then work with communities to develop strategies that target local mosquitoes.

“The scientific community is here to help prevent and combat these diseases, to secure health and well-being for all people of the Pacific. The additional four years of funding from the Australian Government is welcome and timely support. This will allow us to ramp up our efforts for anti-mosquito activities in the face of increasing outbreaks across the region.”

For further information on actions against mosquitoes across the Pacific region see: www.pacmossi.org