IVCC to launch new Malaria Decision Support System at MIM conference

IVCC will launch its new Malaria Decision Support System MDSS) at the 5th Pan-African Multilateral Initiative (MIM) conference in Nairobi, Kenya, 1-6 November 2009.  A major symposium to disseminate the latest advances in monitoring and evaluation of vector control programmes will also be held. 

The MDSS is being demonstrated on IVCC's stand in the exhibition area, is a best practice, continuous surveillance system that integrates monitoring and evaluation data from a malaria control programme and presents it in a web-based, real time geographic format to assist with intervention planning. 

The system is in final development but an interactive screencast will demonstrate the main features and functionality to delegates.  Copies of the screencast will be available for delegates to take away and trial on their own computers.

The stand will be staffed with key project advisors who will be able to explain and discuss the benefits of MDSS and our other monitoring and evaluation systems and analytical tools, including:

·         The Vector Population Monitoring Tool - a suite of simple DNA-based kits which will quickly gather species, infection and resistance status of mosquito vector populations

·         The Insecticide Quantification Kit - a simple to use kit which can quickly determine how much insecticide remains on a bednet or indoor surface.

The stand will also carry details of our developing portfolio of public health pesticide projects to discover new Active Ingredients and new and repurposed formulations, in partnership with the major agrochemical companies.  Key project advisors will be on hand to discuss these projects in more detail. 

Tom McLean, IVCC's Chief Operating Officer, said: "MIM is the ideal opportunity for us to announce our monitoring and evaluation tools, bringing together as it does the key enablers and users of vector control programmes in Africa".

 The symposium, on Tuesday 3 November, will bring together four experts in monitoring and evaluation, chaired by IVCC's Chief Executive Officer, Professor Janet Hemingway.  Jacob Williams, Themba Mzilahowa, Anna Winters and Immo Kleinschmidt will present abstracts on various aspects of monitoring and evaluation of vector control.